Midnight Oil

Midnight Oil Live Performance of 'Beds Are Burning' at Ellis Park, South Africa

Ellis Park Stadium
Johannesburg, South Africa

• In January 1994, during the live recording at Ellis Park Stadium, Midnight Oil was capitalizing on the success of their acclaimed album "Diesel and Du... Read Full Description >

  In January 1994, during the live recording at Ellis Park Stadium, Midnight Oil was capitalizing on the success of their acclaimed album "Diesel and Dust," which had been released in 1987 and featured the hit single "Beds Are Burning." This period marked a significant moment in the band’s career as they were known for their passionate advocacy for environmental and social issues, particularly regarding Indigenous rights in Australia. The concert in South Africa was particularly noteworthy as Midnight Oil had previously vowed not to perform in the country during apartheid, and their decision to play there represented a pivotal shift for both the band and the country’s emerging democracy. Their performance was infused with the spirit of change, aligning with the broader societal transformations occurring in South Africa during the early 1990s.

Full Concert: Midnight Oil Live at Ellis Park, Johannesburg

Ellis Park
Johannesburg, South Africa

• In January 1994, during the performance at Ellis Park in Johannesburg, Midnight Oil was riding high on the success of their album "Earth and Sun and M... Read Full Description >

  In January 1994, during the performance at Ellis Park in Johannesburg, Midnight Oil was riding high on the success of their album "Earth and Sun and Moon," released in 1993. This album marked a significant moment in their career, as it followed their internationally acclaimed work while also reflecting their commitment to social and environmental issues. The live recording showcases the band's electrifying stage presence, which is a hallmark of their performances. Notably, Midnight Oil was known not just for their music but also for their activism, and this concert took place shortly after the end of apartheid, a pivotal time in South African history. Their presence in Johannesburg demonstrates their dedication to global issues and connection with audiences around the world, making this live recording a significant example of their impactful performance style and political engagement during this transformative period.

Midnight Oil - 'Beds Are Burning' Live Performance at Hultsfred Festival

Hultsfred festival
Hultsfred, Sweden

• In January 1994, during their performance at the Hultsfred Festival in Sweden, Midnight Oil was riding the wave of success from their album "Blue Sky ... Read Full Description >

  In January 1994, during their performance at the Hultsfred Festival in Sweden, Midnight Oil was riding the wave of success from their album "Blue Sky Mining," released in 1990. This album solidified their international reputation, particularly with hits like "Beds Are Burning," which became an anthem for environmental and social justice. By this point in their career, Midnight Oil had already established themselves as a powerful voice in rock music, known for their electrifying live performances and politically charged lyrics. Their engagement with issues such as indigenous rights and environmentalism was prominent in their work, making "Beds Are Burning" a fitting choice for such a platform. The Hultsfred performance captured the band's energy and commitment to activism, resonating with an audience that valued both musicality and message.

Midnight Oil Live Performance of The Dead Heart and Beds Are Burning at Hultsfred Festival

Hultsfred festival
Hultsfred, Sweden

• In January 1994, during the Hultsfred Festival in Sweden, Midnight Oil was at a pivotal moment in their career, promoting their album "Earth and Sun a... Read Full Description >

  In January 1994, during the Hultsfred Festival in Sweden, Midnight Oil was at a pivotal moment in their career, promoting their album "Earth and Sun and Moon," which was released in 1993. This album marked a continuation of their distinctive blend of rock and politically charged lyrics, further establishing their presence on the international stage. The live performance captured in the video features the songs "The Dead Heart" and "Beds Are Burning," both of which are significant in the band's catalog, highlighting their focus on indigenous rights and environmental issues. Notably, Midnight Oil was known for their high-energy performances and commitment to activism, with lead singer Peter Garrett famously using his platform to advocate for social change. This concert reflects the band's ability to engage a global audience, deepening their impact as both musicians and activists.

Midnight Oil - The Dead Heart Live at Ellis Park Stadium, Johannesburg

Ellis Park Stadium
Johannesburg, South Africa

• By January 1, 1994, when Midnight Oil performed "The Dead Heart" at Ellis Park in Johannesburg, they were at a significant moment in their career, as ... Read Full Description >

  By January 1, 1994, when Midnight Oil performed "The Dead Heart" at Ellis Park in Johannesburg, they were at a significant moment in their career, as this performance came shortly after the end of apartheid in South Africa. The band's prior album, "Blue Sky Mining," had been released in 1990, showcasing their commitment to political activism and social justice issues, themes that continued in their music. "The Dead Heart," a track from their celebrated album "Diesel and Dust," released in 1987, reflects the band's deep engagement with Indigenous Australian issues, making their performance particularly poignant in a country transitioning towards equality and freedom. Notably, Midnight Oil’s decision to perform in South Africa followed a long-standing boycott against the apartheid regime, marking their concert as a statement of solidarity with the anti-apartheid movement and reinforcing their image as advocates for change.

Midnight Oil - 'Forgotten Years' Live Performance at Ellis Park Stadium

Ellis Park Stadium
Johannesburg, South Africa

• In January 1994, the live recording of "Forgotten Years" at Ellis Park Stadium in Johannesburg marked a significant moment in Midnight Oil's career, o... Read Full Description >

  In January 1994, the live recording of "Forgotten Years" at Ellis Park Stadium in Johannesburg marked a significant moment in Midnight Oil's career, occurring soon after the band's historic performance in the context of South Africa's transition from apartheid. The song is featured on the album "Blue Sky Mining," which was released in February 1990. This album was pivotal in solidifying their international standing, combining political activism with a powerful rock sound. Notably, Midnight Oil had previously boycotted performances in South Africa due to its oppressive regime, making their 1994 concert a powerful statement about change and reconciliation. The performance of "Forgotten Years," which reflects themes of loss and remembrance, resonated deeply with the audience, encapsulating the spirit of hope and progress as the nation embarked on a new chapter. This live recording illustrates both the band's commitment to social issues and their evolution as global rock artists.

Midnight Oil - 'Bullroarer' Live at Ellis Park Stadium, Johannesburg, 1994

Ellis Park Stadium
Johannesburg, South Africa

• By the time of the live recording at Ellis Park Stadium in Johannesburg on January 1, 1994, Midnight Oil had already achieved considerable internation... Read Full Description >

  By the time of the live recording at Ellis Park Stadium in Johannesburg on January 1, 1994, Midnight Oil had already achieved considerable international acclaim with their 1987 album "Diesel and Dust." This album included the hit single "Beds Are Burning," which highlighted the band's commitment to social and environmental issues, particularly regarding Indigenous rights in Australia. The performance of "Bullroarer" at this concert reflects the band's activism, as they notably refused to perform in South Africa during the era of apartheid, only agreeing to play after Nelson Mandela's release and the subsequent political changes. This concert marked a significant moment for the band, symbolizing their support for social justice and the end of apartheid. The energy of the performance, combined with the band's ethos, showcases why Midnight Oil remains an influential force in rock music.