The sudden cancellation of Bluesfest has thrown punters into a world of pain and confusion, mainly worried about the possibility of refunds but also in regard to the status of international sideshows. Slowly a clearer picture is emerging re-the tours. Not coming are: Jerry Harrison and Adrian Belew, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Robert Randolph, Earth, Wind & Fire, Erykah Badu and Buddy Guy.
Raised from the ashes and now proceeding are: The Black Crowes, The Pogues, The Wailers and Sublime. While Marcus King dates are still on ticket seller’s website and reported by others as going ahead, a reliable source told us this one will be rescheduled for another time. (NOTE: King’s Australian tour cancellation confirmed March 24)
Split Enz and Counting Crows were always going ahead
Of course we shouldn’t forget the Australian acts. The Living End have taken matters into their own hands and are playing the Brunswick Hotel in Brunswick Heads (close to where Bluesfest usually takes place) on April 4. The Backsliders tribute to Rob Hirst is going ahead also on April 4 at the Byron Theatre.
THE BLACK CROWES CONFIRM SECOND SYDNEY SHOW FOR APRIL 8 TO MEET DEMAND
Live Nation has today announced that genre-defying rock legends THE BLACK CROWES have added a second Sydney show at Enmore Theatre on Wednesday 8 April, due to overwhelming demand.
Tickets on sale tomorrow at 11am
New album A Pound of Feathers out now
This new date expands their national headline tour, bringing their electrifying, soulful, swagger-fueled rock & roll to audiences across Australia this April – the first country the band will play live following the release of highly anticipated new album, A Pound of Feathers.
The tour will commence at The Forum, Melbourne on Thursday 2 and Friday 3 April, followed by Fortitude Music Hall in Brisbane on Monday 6 April, and concluding in Sydney at Enmore Theatre on Wednesday 8 and Thursday 9 April.
Tickets for this new Sydney show go on sale tomorrow, Tuesday 24 March, at 11am (local).
For tickets and further information head to livenation.com.au
One of rock & roll’s most iconic and unapologetic bands, The Black Crowes return to Australia after their massive global reunion tour. Since reforming in 2019, the Robinson Brothers have reignited the fire that made them one of the most electrifying live acts on the planet—playing more than 150 shows across 20 countries.
Their last record Happiness Bastards earned a GRAMMY nomination for Best Rock Album and a 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame nod, underscoring the band’s continued relevance and influence. Brand new, tenth studio album A Pound of Feathers was recorded in Nashville with producer Jay Joyce in just 10 days, merging their classic Southern rock roots with new energy, showcasing their musical evolution.
On this tour, fans can expect timeless hits including Remedy, She Talks to Angels, and Hard to Handle, alongside material from these recent albums, performed with the raw energy, soul, and swagger that define The Black Crowes.
Australian rock 4-piece The Southern River Band is special guest across all dates, joining the tour fresh from a run of UK and European dates. Their unshakeable attitude, blistering live energy, and commitment to doing things their way has earned them a devoted following across Australia and beyond. Behind the humour, the Herculean mullet, and the sweat-drenched antics lies a seriously formidable unit: Cal Kramer (vocals/guitar), Pat Smith (bass), Dan Carroll (guitar), Tyler Michie (drums). The Southern River Band take their craft seriously — and their live show must be seen to be believed.
THE BLACK CROWES
Australia 2026 With special guest The Southern River Band
Thursday 2 April & Friday 3 April
The Forum, Melbourne
Monday 6 April
Fortitude Music Hall, Brisbane
Wednesday 8 April* (new show) & Thursday 9 April
Enmore Theatre, Sydney
*Tickets on sale Tuesday 24 March at 11am (local)
For complete tour & ticket information, visit: livenation.com.au
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THE WAILERS: 50 YEARS OF POSITIVE VIBRATIONS
In the wake of Byron Bay Bluesfest’s cancellation, an intimate East Coast run of dates has been secured for reggae royalty The Wailers, presented by @noisygroup.au.
This April, the 50 Years of Positive Vibrations Tour lands in rooms that put you closer to the music than ever before! From coastal pubs to iconic theatres, this is not just a tour — it’s a living, breathing piece of music history, up close and personal.
Celebrating 50 years of Rastaman Vibration — come feel the music, feel the message.
Tickets on sale now — https://www.noisygroup.com.au/the-wailers-tickets
April 1 – Gosford – Drifters Wharf
April 2 – Sydney – Metro Theatre
April 3 – Port Macquarie – Finnians Tavern
April 4 – Coffs Harbour – Coffs Hotel
April 5 – Brunswick Heads – Hotel Brunswick
Led by Aston Barrett Jr., this is reggae history in the flesh.
#TheWailers #PositiveVibrations #AustraliaTour #Reggae #LiveMusic AustraliaTour ReggaeMusic
THE POGUES AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND TOUR STILL TO GO AHEAD WITH NEW SHOW JUST ANNOUNCED
Mellen Events & Face to Face Touring have announced The Pogues Australian / New Zealand tour will still take place with their original dates. A new show has just been added in Brisbane for Thursday 2nd April at Fortitude Music Hall – tickets go on-sale on Monday 23rd March at 10.00am (QLD time) via Ticketmaster.
The Pogues will make their long-awaited return to Australian stages with a special 40th anniversary celebrating the classic album Rum, Sodomy & the Lash.
The tour brings together original members James Fearnley, Jem Finer and Spider Stacy, alongside a stellar line-up of musicians and guest vocalists including Daragh Lynch, Iona Zajac, John Francis Flynn and Lisa O’Neill. Released in 1985, Rum Sodomy & the Lash is a cornerstone of punk and alternative rock, renowned for its raw energy, poetic lyrics, and infectious melodies. The band are set to play the legendary album in full, including B-sides, extended version tracks, plus a special selection of their most beloved material.
Widely regarded as one of the greatest folk-punk albums, Rum, Sodomy & the Lash features the anthemic Dirty Old Town, A Pair of Brown Eyes and A Rainy Night in Soho. Ranked among Rolling Stones “500 Greatest Albums of All Time”, its influence continues to echo across generations.
Returning for their first Australian / New Zealand tour in 14 years, this marks a rare chance to celebrate The Pogues extraordinary legacy live on stage.
TOURING PARTY:
Jem Finer
Spider Stacy
James Fearnley
Holly Mullineaux (bass)
Darragh Lynch (guitar – Lankum)
Jordan O’Leary (banjo)
Fiachra Meek (pipes/whistles – Alfi)
Jim Sclavunos (drums – Bad seeds)
Iona Zajac (vocals – Harp)
John Francis Flynn (Vocalist, Multi-instrumentalist)
Lisa O’Neill (Vocals)
BRASS SECTION:
Pete Fraser
Daniel Hayes
Ian Williamson
THE POGUES – RUM, SODOMY & THE LASH 40TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR DATES 2026:
Wednesday 25th March
Fremantle Prison, Fremantle WA
Friday 27th March
Hindley St Music Hall, Adelaide SA
Sunday 29th March
The Forum, Melbourne VIC
Tuesday 31st March
The Form, Melbourne VIC
Thursday 2nd April
Fortitude Music Hall, Brisbane QLD
***NEW SHOW JUST ANNOUNCED***
Tickets available from Ticketmaster www.ticketmaster.com.au
Sunday 5th April
Sydney Opera House, Sydney NSW
Monday 6th April
Sydney Opera House, Sydney NSW
Wednesday 8th April
St James Theatre, Wellington
Thursday 9th April
Christchurch Town Hall, Christchurch
Saturday 11th April
New Zealand International Convention Centre, Auckland
The Pogues Instagram | Facebook | YouTube
SUBLIME
SUBLIME defined an era with their innovative fusion of punk, ska, reggae, and hip-hop — selling more than 20 million records worldwide and inspiring generations of artists. Now, original members Eric Wilson and Bud Gaugh reunite with Jakob Nowell, son of the late Bradley Nowell, for their first-ever Australian tour. While Sublime’s meteoric rise in the 1990s was cut short in 1996, their music went on to achieve global resonance — yet the band never reached Australian stages. In 2026, that changes when the band tours Australia
Wednesday, April 1st
Festival Hall, Melbourne VIC
Saturday, April 4th
Hordern Pavilion, Sydney NSW
Wednesday, April 8th
Wolfbook Arena, Christchurch NZ
Friday, April 10th
Trusts Arena, Auckland NZ
Saturday, April 11th
Brewtown, Wellington NZ