The Big Day Out was one of our most iconic festivals. Born in 1992 when the Australian festival calendar was way less crowded, this is where many of us return when we think about discovering our favourite bands, and our tribe, in the 90’s. It’d always be hot, you’d spend ages planning your outfit and organising your friends. And even if you had a mental list of the bands you were desperate to see, there’d always be surprises… strange and wonderful experiences on the Lilypad Stage, dark and dank moments in the Boiler Room. You’d come home from a Big Day Out with a whole new bunch of artists to love. Imagine being on that traveling tour every year, looking through the lens of a camera. That was the job of Sophie Howarth – official photographer for the Big Day Out. From it’s very first year, she was there; in the pit, on the stage, amongst the crowd and backstage. Capturing some of the most iconic images of the 90’s. Sophie gave us an Access All Areas pass for her Take 5, and transported us to the first (and only) Nirvana tour on the maiden BDO, to babyfaced Silverchair and their furiously excited fans. She took us into the world of her own musical horizons expanding, and reminded us of the lasting legacy of our own incredible artists. This is one for the heart, from the heart.

Nirvana - 'Smells Like Teen Spirit'

Silverchair - ‘Tomorrow'

Warumpi Band – ‘Blackfella/Whitefella’

ASH - 'Girl From Mars'

Magic Dirt - ‘Super Tear'