The news that this year’s Grand Final pre-match entertainment would actually feature Australian acts was met with positive reception from members of the public who’d grown tired of watching international pop stars or tired baby boomers put on lacklustre performances.
Things seemed to come to a head during last year’s event, which was headlined by UK singer Ellie Goulding. Nothing against Ms. Goulding, who’s a skilled singer and had to deal with some technical issues, but the ‘A’ in AFL stands for Australian and it’s an Australian event.
So it’s not only a welcome change to see acts like Vance Joy and The Living End opening the big game for us, it’s a cause for celebration. But for some that celebration may be short-lived, as organisers have now added Police frontman Sting to the lineup.
But the members of The Living End think everyone who’s complaining about the addition of the ‘Roxanne’ singer should pipe down. “I don’t have a problem with it,” Living End bassist Scott Owen recently told News Corp.
“If you can be entertained by Sting at half time at the Grand Final what are you whinging about?” Frontman Chris Cheney agrees the Grand Final pre-match lineup should showcase local music talent, but reckons a good ratio of Aussie bands to international talent is okay.
“There’s two Aussie acts and an overseas act this year, that’s cool,” he told News Corp. “People want it to be an all Aussie lineup if possible, and I agree, but I think it’s OK if the ratio is balanced out.”
According to Cheney, The Living End will be performing two songs during their set — “an oldie and a newie” — and expects the show to be “spectacular”. Meanwhile, Owen has called the performance “a once in a lifetime opportunity”.
2016 TOYOTA AFL GRAND FINAL ENTERTAINMENT
Saturday, 1st October 2016 – PRE-GAME
Virgin Australia Pre-Game Show, Melbourne Cricket Ground
w/ Vance Joy & The Living End
Saturday, 1st October 2016 – POST GAME
Virgin Australia Premiership Party, Melbourne Cricket Ground (FREE ENTRY)
FREE access from 6.00pm via Gates 5, 6 & 7
w/ Vance Joy & The Living End and 2016 AFL Premiers presentation
