Queenstown’s biggest rock festival hits double digits next week. As the Gibbston Valley Winery Summer Concert prepares for its 10th birthday bash Regions editor Louise Scott takes a look back over the decade and talks to organisers, the working minions, the party goers and the rock stars.
The backdrop, banter with the besties, the booze, and of course the bands.
It is what keeps two Otago couples going back to Gibbston Valley Winery Summer Concert each year.
Peter and Sandra Buckley, of Dunedin, and Liz and Gary Bayne, of Waihola, have not missed a gig since 2011.
They, along with thousands of others, will descend on the Queenstown winery next weekend for the annual event.
In a break from the norm, five bands will take the stage rather than the traditional three — Smash Mouth, Creedence Clearwater Revisited, Anastacia, George Thorogood, and British rocker Billy Idol.
The foursome say it has become a pilgrimage.
Each year bar one, they have headed west on their motorbikes: a Harley-Davidson touring bike and a Honda ST1300.
Mr Bayne says it is all about the music.
‘‘The quality of the bands have all been really good. It has been a really good mixture but there have been really big names ... and it fits our age group.’’
Mrs Buckley agrees.
‘‘We grew up with all of those bands. And there was no way we ever got to see them because American bands didn't come to New Zealand. Hearing those songs takes me back.’’
It has not all been plain sailing.
The first year the foursome missed a chunk of the first act because their bus was late.
A few ‘‘wine’’ incidents over the years had left the group a bit worse for wear, which Mrs Bayne puts down to good life experiences.
Husband Gary also forgot his shoes last year, but that turned out in his favour after downpours.
While his mates’ feet were soaked through, his were dry as a bone in his biking boots.
Alicia McLean, of Lumsden, is another concertgoer who has not missed a show.
She describes it as the social highlight of the year. ‘‘It is just an amazing day out.‘‘
She and four friends have religiously made the trip to Queenstown, aiming to be at the front of the queue as soon as gates open.
‘‘We sit in the same place each year so people know where to find us. Right down the front and to the right of the stage. It is the best place to be.’’
Asked why they keep going back, she replied: ‘‘It is just an amazing concert. The artists are awesome and I cannot believe the names they have had come through here.’’
Her performance of the decade was Australian’s Little River Band, whose songs include Cool Change, Lady and Take It Easy on Me.
But her absolute standout was not within the confines of the venue.
When travelling home after the first gig, she stumbled across Ray Sawyer of Dr Hook.
‘‘We were going around the roundabout at Frankton and he was in front of us in a van. He opened up the back door and waved at us; that was pretty cool.’’
He was joined in 2011 by Creedence Clearwater Revisited.
The concert attracted 14,000 people, which did not surprise promoter Greenstone Entertainment.
Husband and wife duo Amanda and Dean Calvert had seen a gap in the market for the 50-plus generation.
The pair have been to every gig and each has their favourite.
For him, it is the 2013 tour with Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo, Bachman and Turner, along with America.
And for her, the 2014 concert which featured Lynyrd Skynyrd, Starship and 10cc.
Mr Calvert says logistics can be challenging.
‘‘Our motto is to plan and prepare for the worst and embrace the best. Regular checking of ... weather forecasts along with taking a common-sense, practical approach to our preparations and delivery is crucial.’’
About 1000 individuals work to deliver the event, some paid as staff and some volunteers who get a donation to their preferred local charity.
That includes 70 event staff, a 70-strong security team, 40 fire and medical teams, 70 rubbish collectors, 100 food vendors, 100 bar staff, 100 bus drivers, 15 chopper pilots and 60 catering staff, as well as artist transfer personnel.
This year the artists themselves, along with their entourages, total 80 people.
That is a lot of people needing refreshments and toilets.
Simon Spark, of S.J. Allen Holdings Ltd, has been providing those waste services since day one.
He and his team are responsible for putting up 2.5km of fencing, installing 225 portable toilets, and providing water for some of the caterers.
His crew will also remove about 20,000 litres of effluent or liquid waste.
‘‘It is a massive amount.
‘‘It is a pretty intense event for those four to six hours that it is on. But a great event to be involved in and one of the biggest concerts in the South Island.’’
However, work begins well ahead of concert day. His crew started installing infrastructure on Thursday.
‘‘It takes about a week and a-half to get everything in place. It is staged and we have to work around the other contractors and suppliers and around the stage erection. We all have to work together.’’
On the day, cleaners are also on site to ensure the toilets are kept clean and tidy.
The artists and backstage crew get ‘‘luxury loos’’ which are ‘‘quite flash’’.
Those in the VIP tent also get plusher places to pee and flush facilities.
‘‘But the poor general punters, they get the long drop, and some of them can't even seem to get it into there, so that is why they get the low-rent toilets,’’ he says, laughing.
Mr Spark, who doubles as Arrowtown Rugby Club president, has never had the chance to attend the gig as a fan.
The rugby club has volunteered to man the car park for the past six or seven years.
Once that is done, it is back to the job in hand and overseeing the business side of things.
That does not mean there are no perks.
He has an access all areas pass, meaning he can pop backstage to get one of the best views in the house.
In addition to staff , police also attend to keep partygoers in line.
Senior Sergeant Paula Enoka, of Queenstown, says the focus will be on liquor licensing enforcement and drink-driving checks.
Police will deploy 35 staff, at the venue, on the roads and after the gig.
This year Canterbury District Police will also assist.
‘‘People attending the event should expect delays as there will be travellers making their way on the day of the event and driving home afterward.
‘‘Be patient, be sensible and don't risk yours and others’ lives by getting behind the wheel after drinking.’’
She says organisers work closely with police around alcohol licensing.
‘‘Event security will eject punters who are intoxicated or acting in a disorderly manner.
‘‘Everyone loves going to Gibbston as the start of their summer. However, some go too far and don't think about how their behaviour impacts the enjoyment of the event by others. Be considerate. Don’t bring alcohol to the event. Don’t spend all that money to be told you can't gain entry.’’
