The first Bluesfest 2015 lineup announcement is here, bringing an impressive cross-section of local and international artists both old and new to what will be the 26th edition of the historic Byron Bay event, once again taking place over five days during the Easter 2015 long weekend.
Headlining the Bluesfest 2015 lineup is dynamic US twosome, The Black Keys, marking 9 years since last playing the festival, arriving in Australia next April off the back of their eight and latest studio album, Turn Blue, which became Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney’s first record to debut at #1 on the US and Australian Charts simultaneously.
Joining The Black Keys is, as promised, more “contemporary artists and some returning favourites” including the Dave Grohl-produced Zac Brown Band, the powerful Alabama Shakes – playing two Bluesfest sets, legendary funk wizard George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic, plus the return of festival stalwart Michael Franti.
As always, the Australian contingent for the Bluesfest 2015 lineup is equally grand. Iconic singer-songwriter Paul Kelly will be presenting the Merri Soul Sessions, joined on stage by Dan Sultan, Kira Puru, and Vika & Linda Bull; roots multi-instrumentalist Xavier Rudd will debut his new band, The United Nations, and the return of the much-loved RocKwiz Live.
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Rounding out the first Bluesfest 2015 lineup announcement is New Orleans master musician Trombone Shorty and his Orleans Avenue band, reggae-fied acts SOJA and Rebelution, the psychedelic blues rock of The Chris Robinson Brotherhood, the mighty Band of Skulls, the return of Mariachi El Bronx, ‘Drops Of Jupiter’ hit-makers Train, plus Frank Turner & The Sleeping Souls, G. Love & Special Sauce, Pokey LaFarge, and Beth Hart – backing up her Bluesfest 2014 appearance by popular demand.
As is Bluesfest tradition, there’s plenty more lineup announcements on the way (last year’s edition contained at least 9) that will bring more artists to the many stages at the award-winning Tyagarah Tee Tree Farm site.
Expect calibre of “the legendary & renowned” in the next few weeks, as Bluesfest Director Peter Noble teased last week; “I say every year we climb another level in terms of the artists we are bringing to you and 2015 will be no different: The bar will be raised once again!”
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One legend we can likely lock in already for the new announcements is none other than Billy Bragg.
As reported last September, Noble cornered the Bard of Barking – in the country for a keynote appearance at BIGSOUND – for a touted Bluesfest booking and was seemingly successful. “We caught up with Billy in Brisvegas last night. He has confirmed his appearance for Bluesfest 2015,” wrote the Bluesfest director on the festival forums; “so there you have it – first announced artist for that year.”
Noble is also set to deliver his own keynote address on the second day of BIGSOUND 2014 next week – perhaps he’ll drop a few more clues about the bill?
The Bluesfest 2014 lineup featured over 90 artists delivering performances across seven stages over five days and nights of music, this past April’s edition drew nearly 105,000 attendees and recently claimed the Best Contemporary Music Festival gong at the 2014 Helpmann Awards.
Bluesfest 2015 Lineup
The Black Keys
Zac Brown Band
Alabama Shakes
Michael Franti & Spearhead
George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic
Paul Kelly presents The Merri Soul Sessions feat. Dan Sultan, Kira Puru, and Vika & Linda Bull
Xavier Rudd and The United Nations
Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue
Rebelution
Soja
The Chris Robinson Brotherhood
Train
Beth Hart
Frank Turner & The Sleeping Souls
Mariachi El Bronx
G. Love & Special Sauce
Pokey LaFarge
Band Of Skulls
RocKwiz Live
+ many more to be announced.
Bluesfest 2015 Dates, Tickets
Thursday 2nd April – Monday 6th April, 2015 – Tyagarah Tee Tree Farm, Byron Bay NSW
Tickets on sale now at www.bluesfest.com.au
