Blues on Broadbeach is going to be extra special this May with the inclusion of American guitar great Eric Gales, who blew audiences away on his last Australian tour in 2023. And for those wanting more, Eric will return in November for a national tour.
Eric joins Blues on Broadbeach’s massive free program, which runs over four days from May 15-18 on the Gold Coast, and also features Vika & Linda, Salmonella Dub, Fiona Boyes & The Fortune Tellers, Frank Sultana Blues band and many more, including a sunset performance with Radical Son’s captivating soul voice, American slide guitar one man band Bob Log III, and festival favourites and core blues artist, 8 Ball Aitken’s All Star Jam.
Eric Gales, a Memphis-born blues virtuoso, has spent over 30 years reinvigorating the genre with his fiery guitar and bold songwriting. A child prodigy, he debuted at 16 years old with The Eric Gales Band on Elektra Records. Praised by household names, Gales has shared the stage with the world’s greatest guitarists, including Carlos Santana, Joe Bonamassa, Josh Smith, Christone Kingfish Ingram, Marcus King and many more. In 2021, he released ‘Crown’, a powerful album that reflects years of struggle and triumph, marking a new chapter in his journey.
Often hailed as the second coming of Jimi Hendrix, the Grammy Nominated Eric Gales has redefined blues playing with his rock swagger, searing guitar solos, heartfelt lyrics and a stage presence that absolutely commands your attention. He is boldly vulnerable, uncompromisingly political, unflinchingly confident and has absolutely earned his status as a true guitar hero.
After an appearance at Blues on Broadbeach in May, Blues powerhouse Eric Gales will return soon after to Australia this November for a full national tour. Anyone who witnessed Eric on his last Australian tour in 2023 will know to expect the utmost combination of fiery guitar mastery and soul-stirring emotion. Five years sober and creatively reborn, Gales is riding high on the momentum of his masterful album Crown, produced by Joe Bonamassa and Josh Smith and will follow up with a new album in August, also produced by Joe and Josh and dedicated to Eric’s brother Little Jimmy.
Australian Musician editor Greg Phillips was pleased to catch up with Eric Gales over a zoom chat to discuss Blues on Broadbeach, the November tour and the upcoming new album.
Blues on Broadbeach is heaven for music lovers. With world-class performances and free entertainment in paradise, it’s time to fire up the chat, get your group together and start making plans to head to the Gold Coast this May!
Blues on Broadbeach is produced by Experience Gold Coast and supported by the Queensland Government, via Tourism and Events Queensland and Memphis Tourism
BLUES ON BROADBEACH 2025
15 – 18 May | Broadbeach, Gold Coast
bluesonbroadbeach.com
TICKETS FOR TWELVE BAR SOCIETY
Limited tickets are still available through Oztix
KURRAWA PARK SUNDAY TICKET – JIMMY BARNES
Jimmy Barnes’ Special one-off Soul Deep Show – Sunday 18 May
Tickets available only through Oztix
BLUES ON BROADBEACH 2025
THE CRUEL SEA
ELI PAPERBOY REED
DIESEL
VIKA & LINDA – ERIC GALES
SALMONELLA DUB SOUNDSYSTEM
FIONA BOYES & THE FORTUNE TELLERS – BONDI CIGARS
THE HARLEM GOSPEL TRAVELERS – BOB LOG III
RADICAL SON – 8 BALL AITKEN’S ALL STAR JAM
SUNPIE BARNES & DOM TURNER – THE MELTDOWN
STEFAN HAUK – QUEENIE – FRANK SULTANA BLUES BAND
MURRAY COOK’S SOUL MOVERS
LECIA LOUISE – BULLHORN – ROD PAINE & THE FULLTIME LOVERS
PETE CORNELIUS – KATHLEEN HALLORAN – SAMMY OWEN BLUES BAND
DAMON SMITH – BERETTA AND SULLIVAN – TAYA CHANI
CLAUDE HAY AND THE KUNG FU MUSTARD – RHIANNON SIMPSON AND MORE…
Plus, don’t miss your chance to witness the fire and fury of one of the most electrifying guitarists on the planet when Eric Gales and his extraordinary band roar through your town this November.
ERIC GALES: NOVEMBER AUSTRALIAN TOUR DATES
Wed, Nov 19: Princess Theatre, Brisbane
Thurs, Nov 20: Memo Music Hall, Melbourne
Fri, Nov 21: Harmonie German Club, Canberra
Sat, Nov 22: Factory Theatre, Sydney
Mon, Nov 24: The Gov, Adelaide
Wed, Nov 26: Freo social, Fremantle
Fri, Nov 28: Nightcat, Melbourne
Tickets are on sale now!
www.gaevents.au