If you find yourself high on the hill, looking over the bridge to the M.C.G., you might just see Paul Kelly, who has been tipped as the headline act for this year’s AFL Grand Final.
For years, the notion of just who will perform at the AFL Grand Final during the September event has been one of those contentious topics, with many complaining there’s just never enough Aussie talent on display.
Of course, that complaint isn’t without merit. After all, last year’s event featured Jimmy Barnes alongside The Black Eyed Peas, while the year before saw The Killers.
Although 2016’s appearances from Vance Joy, Sting, and The Living End were appreciated, we haven’t seen a full-on Aussie affair ever since 2013, which featured Birds Of Tokyo, Mike Brady, and Hunters & Collectors.
Now, it looks like we’re gearing up to receive one of the most Australian headliners of all-time.
As reported by 3AW’s Rumour File yesterday morning (via the SMH), this year’s AFL Grand Final will feature a trio of Aussie musicians when it all kicks off on September 28th.
Check out the report from 3AW’s Rumour File:
“To date, they have signed Dean Lewis, and Tones And I,” explained Ross Stevenson. “But let us put the cherry in the cake this morning, the main Grand Final entertainment this year will be Paul Kelly.”
Yes, while Paul Kelly’s appearance would make his second visit to the Grand Final since performing with Tim Rogers in 2012, both Dean Lewis and Tones And I are appropriate choices, given that they are both the last two Aussie artists to top the ARIA charts, with ‘Be Alright’ and ‘Dance Monkey’, respectively.
At the current time, this news is not confirmed by the AFL or Paul Kelly’s management, meaning that we’re still going off of rumours, but it’s a good looking lineup regardless.
While you can be sure that Kelly will dust off ‘Leaps And Bounds’ for the occasion, AFL bosses are likely just hoping it’ll be better than Meat Loaf’s performance in 2011.
In related news, Paul Kelly is set to bring back his Making Gravy concert series this December with an array of talented Aussie musos also joining the bill. Check out all the dates below.
UPDATE 05/09: The AFL have confirmed that Paul Kelly, Dean Lewis, and Tones And I will indeed appear at this year’s Grand Final, while Conrad Sewell will perform the national anthem.
“The Australian music industry is as diverse and as strong as it has ever been, so to be able to have all these talented artists be a part of Grand Final day is fantastic,” explained AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan.
“Australian performers who have broken through on the global stage, mixed with award-winning artists and some of our most well-loved and well-known songs, will be sure to make the 2019 Toyota AFL Grand Final a memorable one.”
Check out ‘Leaps And Bounds’ by Paul Kelly:
Paul Kelly – Making Gravy Australian Tour 2019
Saturday, December 7th
(With special guests Courtney Barnett, Kate Miller-Heidke & Marlon Williams)
Stadium Park at Optus Stadium, Perth, WA (18+*)
Tickets: Ticketmaster | Ph: 136 100
Thursday, December 12th
(With special guests Courtney Barnett, Kate Miller-Heidke & Marlon Williams)
Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Melbourne, VIC (All Ages)
Tickets: Ticketek | Ph: 132 849
Saturday, December 14th
(With special guests Courtney Barnett, Kate Miller-Heidke, Marlon Williams & Thelma Plum)
The Domain, Sydney, NSW (18+*)
Tickets: Ticketmaster | Ph: 136 100
Saturday, December 21st
(With special guests Courtney Barnett, Kate Miller-Heidke & Marlon Williams)
Riverstage, Brisbane, QLD (All Ages)
Tickets: Ticketmaster | Ph: 136 100
* U18s must be accompanied by a parent/legal guardian
Tickets on sale now
