Articles : The Ocean Tour Diaries – Part 6

Photo by Mark Hoffmann

After four hectic shows in close vicinity of each other some well-deserved time off was taken in Byron Bay. We all take some time away from each other, electing to do our own thing while we enjoy the fun, surf, sights and sun of Byron Bay. There was though, a stand out moment where Paul, Chris, Robin and I hiked to the iconic Byron Bay light house. The simple task of walking uphill along this trail, one cut into the side of a beautiful rainforest, eliminates the need for conversation. The views are fantastic and the humid ambience and sense of adventure are intrepidly enticing as we step to and thro past breathtaking vistas of cliff faces and open seas. It was totally unreal.

Photo by Mark Hoffmann

Climbing through the tangles of vines and undulating growths of trees and brush we pass an adorable little bunny. We reach the top of trail where the light house is situated. It’s more of a tourist spot and the journey there seemed to hold more meaning than that of the landmark itself. Although, it was not without its own particular marvels the most enthralling of which was the enormous twisting beacon that rotated within the lighthouses tallest tower. From this point one can gaze in any direction and see how untouched and unspoiled the geographical structure of Byron Bay really is. Peering over a wooden balustrade I spot a pod of Dolphins, and point it out to the band. We spend a while watching them swim out to sea. It is rather peaceful.

Photo by Mark Hoffmann

On the way down there are a bunch of wallabies situated on a bluff some four hundred metres away. The Ocean find these little fellas much less interesting, not that they hadn’t seen dolphins before, but since the marsupials are not much more than brown blobs in the distance, munching on some brush. The trek down is also fun, with the momentum of descent springing out step and the trail winding through a more forested area of Byron Bay. Paul and Robin decide to walk back via the beach, whilst Chris and I take the shorter route together. He tells me about The Ocean’s influence from a Swedish band called Cult of Luna, and how that on their rider they do not request for any alcohol, and instead ask for post cards and stamps so they can write to their loved ones. How cool!

It is 7:30am on Thursday morning and Robin, Chris, Paul and I are standing at our rendezvous point outside The Northern hotel. Along with our collective luggage we are drinking coffee and chatting. We are all well resting, taking special care to have a long nights rest to mark our last sleep in Byron. Up the street we see Jay, Damo and Loic. Having stayed in a separate location and gone about their own individual adventures it was nice to re-group. When Will arrives with the van it becomes a full blown reunion. We chat and laugh and make fun of each other. Everyone, especially Robin, is excited to get back into show mode.

Photo by Mark Hoffmann

On our way to the airport Damien details a couple activities enjoyed by himself, Loic and Jay in their time off. The first of which was Tea Tree Lake. This landmark lake has red water, and traditionally only women are allowed to swim there. What is even more interesting is that only men, have ever drowned in Tea Tree Lake. Also a great memory was a trip to a gorge where the trio hung out for a while, listening to Tool. Damo grins from the back of the van, which is careening towards to airport in Brisbane. “Lateralus went for six hours, and definitely half of it I’ve never heard before!” Loic and Jay laugh in knowing agreement.

Photo by Mark Hoffmann

After each of our flights before we know it we are in Adelaide. Having a later flight than the band I arrive at Jive a small way into the Caligula’s Horse set. The Adelaide crowd is causing a ruckus and a mosh pit is powering on for the duration of the show. The breakdowns are really popping this time round. It’s a really strange feeling being in such a small venue after a string of larger ones, but there is a strong coordinate of people who have turned out in spite of the dreary weather. Churning up the gathering of people especially with new track Rust the crowd was warmed and ready for The Ocean.

Photo by Mark Hoffmann

Everyone was on fire tonight in The Ocean. The sound was tight and the energy was high with Loic launching off the stage and into the crowd at any given moment. A crater formed naturally around the middle of the room where kids ran into each other with the force of battering rams. It was a really enjoyable show, and was topped off by a jaw dropping moment where Loic dived from the balcony into the crowd. Adelaide surely delivered.

Photo by Mark Hoffmann

At this point I have to drop off of the tour, but rest assured that Mark Hoffman will be chronicling the adventures in Melbourne and someone will be on hand to give you the low down on Perth’s show. There is one moment I would like to share with you that will stick in mind, above all the crazy shows, partying and trailer conundrums there was a time in Sydney where we were given out AAA passes for the tour. They had big hunks of clear plastic on them and Chris and I immediately went backstage to cut off the extra material with a pair of miniature scissors. It was just a small moment of solidarity, but we felt pretty badass. It’s been so much fun and an honour to be touring with The Ocean. I look forward to meeting them again. In the meantime there are only a handful of tickets left for the show in Melbourne on Saturday night. If you’re reading this and haven’t got your hands on one now is most definitely the time.

Photo by Mark Hoffmann

Adios.

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