If you're ever performing at a festival, be it musical or otherwise, here is some advice on what to say if you run into trouble and need to get the crowd back on your side:

a) Scream "Make some noise, Melbourne!" (obviously insert whichever local reference will win you the most support here. The more specific the reference to the crowd, the better). If you can mention the locality by slipping it into some lyrics or referring to a local sandwich shop/how good the burgers are/the queue to the toilets etc, you're doing well.

b) Scream the reason for the festival, followed by a long woooooo!!!! (For instance, a mere "2007 Woooooooo!" will set the crowd going for another half an hour)...

c) Imply somehow that the crowd is discerning/rebellious/unspeakably attractive. I was at Falls Festival the other day and someone asked for a show of hands as to how many people had managed to sneak alcohol into the venue. This is a perfect example. Naturally, every single person on the entire surf coast raised their hands and shouted for joy at being included in such a dangerously edgy minority.

d) Rock. Sometimes it doesn't matter what you say. If you're really quite excellent at performing, you'll be alright.

So, there's my first advice for the year. Happy new year everyone. 2007! Woooo!