Byron Bay Bluesfest’s Latest Announcement

Words by Scenewave Australia - Published on February 5, 2013

Byron Bay’s Bluesfest is on of the most epic music festivals Australia has to offer. For some reason, we’ve never been along to one, always opting for Byron’s other music men’al main attraction, Splendour in the Grass. After a conversation with a mate on the weekend about the awesomeness of Bluesfest, I decided to check it out. And hollyyyyy shhhmokes, this festival has officially gone full retard.

These mentalists have released SEVEN lineup announcements, with each being bigger than the last. Anyway, enough blathering on from me, I’m really not giving this festival the hype it deserves, because the lineup speaks for itself. Here’s the comprehensive lineup:

First announcement:

Ben Harper
Santana
Iggy and The Stooges
Chris Isaak
Steve Miller Band
Wilco
Dropkick Murphys
Glen Hansard with The Frames
Tedeschi Trucks Band
Newton Faulkner
Frank Turner and The Sleeping Souls
Grace Potter
Playing For Change
Ben Caplan

Second announcement:

Jimmy Cliff
Joan Armatrading
Rodriguez
Robert Cray
Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue
The Blind Boys Of Alabama
Mavis Staples
Allen Toussaint
Wanda Jackson
Fred Wesley & The New JB’s
Michael Kiwanuka
Bettye Lavette
Luka Bloom
Ruthie Foster
Tony Joe White
Sweet Honey In The Rock
The Duke Robillard Band
Shawn Colvin
Seth Lakeman

Third announcement:

Robert Plant presents Sensational Space Shifters
Madness
Status Quo
Roger Hodgson (Supertramp)
Jon Anderson (Yes)

Fourth announcement:
Paul Simon
Rufus Wainwright

Third Announcement:

The Cat Empire
Fat Freddy’s Drop
Xavier Rudd
Rockwiz Live
The Break (Feat. Members Of Midnight Oil, Violent Femmes, Hunters & Collectors)
Beasts Of Bourbon
Karise Eden
The Bamboos
The Beards
Melbourne Ska Orchestra
The Snowdroppers
King Cannons
Grey Ghost
Busby Marou
Saskwatch
The Wilson Pickers
Round Mountain Girls
Hat Fitz & Cara
Mason Rack Band
The Songs Of The Haight Ashbury Stage Show
Lil Fi & The Dirty Rascals
Wards Xpress

Fifth announcement:

Jason Mraz
Manu Chao
Mark Seymour and the Undertow
Chris Smither
Current Swell
Matt Andersen
The Mcmenamins
Go Jane Go

Sixth announcement:

Counting Crows
Ben Harper (Solo)
The Lumineers
Taj Mahal
Shuggie Otis
Kitty Daisy & Lewis
Ben Howard
Tav Falco & The Panther Burns
JD McPherson
Royal Southern Brotherhood
Soja
Jake Shimabukuro
Damien Dempsey

Latest announcement:

Ben Harper & Charlie Musselwhite
Zac Brown Band
The Music Maker Blues Revue
Leonardo’s Bride
Nicky Bomba’s Bustamento
Skipping Girl Vinegar
Allen Stone
Kim Churchill
Shaun Kirk
Genevieve Chadwick
Brother Fox

This almighty festival goes for 5 huge days over the Easter weekend, and it is not to be missed!

Playing times are available from the Bluesfest website here.

Whether you’re committing to the whole 5 days or just heading down for a cheeky day trip, the Bluesfest tickets are guaranteed to accommodate you. Check out all the varying ticket prices and deals here.

As you would imagine, tickets are selling out very quickly, so get in fast!