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CHAKA KHAN, TOTO & CHRISTOPHER CROSS ADDED TO 2025 BYRON BAY BLUESFEST

Originally billed as the final Bluesfest ever and the party to end all parties, it turns out that the 2025 festival will most likely not be the last and will continue on beyond this year. Based on the initial announcement, punters scrambled to book tickets and accomodation and awaited the announcement of some huge international acts, assuming that the festival line-up would return to its glory days. While 2025 Bluesfest Byron Bay does offer some incredible performers, some fans have expressed disappointment that there had not been an inclusion of a major, arena-level artist such as a Dylan, Van Morrison, Rolling Stones or Neil Young to equal the occasion of what was to be the final festival. However in today’s fourth Bluesfest announcement, organisers have finally offered a few genuine music legends which are sure to please many.

“Headlined by R&B legend Chaka Khan, rock icons Toto, the timeless sound of Christopher Cross, and the Polynesian vibes of Maoli. Further to these artists we are adding Clarence Bekker Band, Hussy Hicks, Eric Stang to this announcement, which delivers an eclectic mix of world-class talent, showcasing the diversity of music that Bluesfest has come to represent.”

Chaka Khan (A Celebration of 50+ years in music), is a ten-time Grammy winner and one of the most influential artists of all time. Recently inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Chaka Khan has spent five decades captivating audiences with her unparalleled vocal range and iconic tracks such as “I’m Every Woman” and “Ain’t Nobody.” Her career spans collaborations with legends, impactful theater performances, and ventures into various creative fields. Beyond her music, Chaka Khan’s philanthropic work and commitment to mental health advocacy have left an indelible mark on the world. Her EXCLUSIVE performance at Bluesfest 2025 promises to be a soulful and electrifying highlight of the festival.

Joining Chaka Khan is Toto, one of the most enduring and iconic rock bands of the last five decades, will bring their legendary hits to the Bluesfest stage. Known for timeless anthems like “Africa,” “Hold The Line,” and “Rosanna,” Toto continues to captivate audiences across generations. With a career spanning over 50 million album sales, six billion streams across platforms, and a repertoire played millions of times daily on Spotify alone, Toto remains a musical powerhouse. Their members, including Steve Lukather and Joseph Williams, are renowned for their contributions to countless Grammy-winning albums, having won six Grammy’s in total. At Bluesfest, audiences can expect a masterclass in musicianship, with hits that have defined rock and roll history.

Christopher Cross, whose career began with an unprecedented sweep of five Grammy Awards for his debut album, brings his timeless melodies to Bluesfest. Known for hits like “Sailing,” “Ride Like the Wind,” and “Arthur’s Theme (Best That You Can Do),” Cross has sold over 10 million albums and earned an Oscar, a Golden Globe, and an Emmy nomination. With a career spanning more than four decades, he remains a master of crafting elegant, emotionally resonant songs. Christopher Cross’s set at Bluesfest will be a journey through decades of musical excellence, from his Grammy-winning debut to his celebrated recent releases.

Adding a Polynesian flair to the lineup is Maoli, hailed as Hawaii and Polynesia’s top independent commercial recording artist. Led by Glenn Awong, Maoli has taken their distinctive island sound across the globe, selling out tours in Hawaii, the U.S. New Zealand, and Australia. With award-winning albums like Sense of Purpose and headline performances at festivals such as Cali Roots, Maoli’s blend of reggae and island music will bring a fresh and vibrant energy to Bluesfest 2025. Maoli’s upcoming Australian tour this February is sold out, so your last chance to see this amazing band will be at Bluesfest.

Also Joining the Lineup
Bluesfest 2025 is thrilled to welcome the Clarence Bekker Band, led by the charismatic Clarence Bekker, whose soulful voice and electrifying stage presence have captivated audiences globally. Known for his work with Playing For Change and viral success with over 200 million views online, Clarence and his band bring an energy-packed blend of soul, funk, and pop that’s sure to mesmerise festival-goers.

Hussy Hicks join the lineup fresh from winning the 2024 Gold Coast Music Award for “Live Act of the Year” and topping the Australian Independent Record Labels Association album charts. Their dynamic performances blend blues, roots, and folk, making them a standout addition to this year’s festival.

Eric Stang is set to deliver another unforgettable performance. Known for starring as Jerry Lee Lewis in the Tony Award-winning musical Million Dollar Quartet and performing with Selena Gomez on major shows like The Tonight Show, Eric’s explosive energy and versatile talent promise to captivate audiences once again.

 Rounding out this announcement are the winners of the 2024 Bluesfest Busking Competition: The Steele Syndicate and The Royals. Both artists impressed judges and audiences alike with their dynamic performances and will now take the stage at Bluesfest, showcasing the next generation of exceptional musical talent.

Bluesfest is proudly supported by the NSW Government through its tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW.

EASTER 2025 APRIL 17 – 20 APRIL 2025
FOURTH ARTIST ANNOUNCEMENT
Chaka Khan – A Celebration of 50+ years in music
Toto
Christopher Cross
Maoli
Clarence Bekker Band
Hussy Hicks
Eric Stang
The Steele Syndicate
The Royals

Already announced:
George Thorogood & The Destroyers • Crowded House • Rodrigo y Gabriela • Vance Joy    Ocean Alley  • BJ The Chicago Kid •  Tones and I • Gary Clark Jr    Rag’n’Bone Man • RY X    Allison Russell    Christone ‘Kingfish’ Ingram • Missy Higgins • Brad Cox    Here Come The Mummies EXCLUSIVE• The California Honeydrops EXCLUSIVE    Marc Broussard  Melody Angel EXCLUSIVE •  Pierce Brothers • Taj Farrant  EXCLUSIVE    Fanny Lumsden    19-Twenty • WILSN    Cimafunk EXCLUSIVE    Neal Francis EXCLUSIVE • Hilltop Hoods • Xavier Rudd  •  John Butler  •  The Cat Empire • Kasey Chambers  •  Melbourne Ska Orchestra  • C.W. Stoneking  •  Budjerah • Lachy Doley Group  •  Ash Grunwald • Kim Churchill  •  Miss Kaninna • The Beards  •  Velvet Trip  •  FOOLS • ROSHANI  •  Sweet Talk • The Memphis Three Feat. Fiona Boyes, Jimi Hocking & Frank Sultana • Don West • Nahko

https://www.bluesfest.com.au/

            

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