Bluesfest goers reflect on their favourite memories of the festival

Over the last 30 years, Bluesfest has delivered Australian music lovers with countless days filled with performances from iconic artists, new musical discoveries and an evergrowing sense of community, fostered through a mutual love of music and culture.

During its rich and illustrious history, the event has truly garnered a reputation for ensuring punters are left with an unforgettable, all-encompassing experience.

Its reputation amongst fans is one of utmost honour and respect – 30 years on, it continues to foster a unique connection with music lovers.

This year, Bluesfest is set to touch down with a lineup that boasts a plethora of folk troubadours, rock legends and local talent that reinventing the wheel with every release. With the likes of Iggy Pop, The Raconteurs and Tash Sultana topping off the bill, it’s a lineup that traces the trajectory of honest songwriting, stellar musicianship and passion across rock, roots, blues and folk.

To celebrate the upcoming event, we reached out to the Tone Deaf community, asking punters what their favourite memories of the festival are over the years.

From witnessing Bob Dylan in the flesh to the deep-fried wonders of pluto pups, take a seat and reminisce on the greatest ever moments from one of the country’s most incredible festivals.

“Trombone Shorty was incredible” – B-rad Fleming 

“Either Paul Simon or sinking 10 pluto pups in 3 days way back when you had carney food and a ferris wheel. I’m still recovering” –  Shaine Singh 

“Black Crowes, The Specials & Ben Harper with Relentless 7” – Gaz Singh

“Bob Dylan. I know his set was controversial but I loved it!” – Elliot Brice 

Bob Dylan live @ Bluesfest 2011

“George Clinton Parliament Funkadelic. Funky and hilarious” – Laura Fountain

“Bo Didley in ‘05 joined onstage by George Thorogood” – Duane L Smith

“Bela Fleck and the Flecktones, Dave Matthews band” – Nick Taylor 

“Ben Harper and the Inncoent Criminals hands down” – Brendan Harris

“Would have to be Bob Dylan” – Shane Logan 

“When Alexis P. Suter was playing Bluesfest, and she looked me right in the eye while singing a cover of a John Lennon song. Then when getting a CD signed, she told me I had a beautiful smile & she could see “the warrior” in me” – Kate Andromeda

George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic – Live at Bluesfest 2015

“The Proclaimers totally surprised me and where awsome. Midnight Oil coming out for an encore delaying Ben Harper because every one was going sick. Theres a couple of others but they stand out” – Louis Williams 

“Hi-Fiving Jesse Hughes from Eagles of Death Metal while he was wearing a massive pimp hat. I can’t wait to come back in April”- Ryan Coles

“California HoneyDrops! Elephant Sessions ! Any of the incredible harmonica solos everyone is bound to hear” – Allan Green

“The Pogues was probably the best fun I have ever had at any gig ever” – Lindon Hay 

 “James Brown & Paul Simon” – Mousey Lou

Eagles Of Death Metal – live at Bluesfest 2016

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EqTylUYdzY0

Bluesfest 2019 Lineup

Thursday, April 18th – Monday, April 22nd, 2019
Tyagarah Tea Tree Farm, Byron Bay, NSW
Tickets: Bluesfest

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