Move over Robbie: Who will headline the 2024 VAILO Adelaide 500 after-race concert?
Who’s in line to follow Robbie Williams next year’s VAILO Adelaide 500 after-race concert headliner? We take a look at some of the contenders. Have your say.
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Less than 48 hours after Robbie Williams wowed the crowd at the VAILO Adelaide 500 after-race concert, attention is already turning to who will succeed him as 2024’s headline act.
It’s going to be a tough one to follow, with the British superstar – sporting a long mullet – enthralling an adoring audience of 50,000 fans on Sunday night with hits from over two decades in the industry.
So who can replicate Williams’ energy and entertainment after the final race next November?
VAILO Adelaide 500 chief executive Mark Warren said they’re still trying to lock in a big-name performer but an announcement will be made soon.
Before that’s revealed, let’s take a look at some of the high-profile acts who would have been on the wish list, or at the very least, sounded out by organisers for next year.
WHO ELSE? TELL US IN THE COMMENTS
Coldplay
The British four-piece, led by frontman Chris Martin, is the hot favourite to succeed Williams at next year’s November 14-17 event, for one major reason – they’ll already be in the country.
Earlier this month, the band announced they will return to Australia for Melbourne and Sydney stadium concerts in late 2024, following their two recent gigs in Perth.
Adelaide was predictably left off the touring schedule but it would make sense for Coldplay to keep a night free for a huge show trackside at Victoria Park.
They have the back catalogue of classic tracks and would no doubt receive a little extra incentive from race organisers. Stay tuned.
Red Hot Chili Peppers
The Californian sultans of funk are no stranger to the event, having performed at the 2019 Superloop 500, as it was known back then.
Bassist Flea, vocalist Anthony Kiedis, guitarist Josh Klinghoffer and drummer Chad Smith have few touring dates locked in for 2024 and could easily fit it into their plans as part of the bigger Down Under visit.
Their tunes would be welcomed by diehard motorsport fans and casual attendees alike.
The Rolling Stones
It’s been almost a decade since legendary frontman Mick Jagger and the rockers toured Down Under so they’re overdue a visit – and where better to perform than trackside at the Adelaide 500?
Long-time guitarist Ronnie Wood hinted at a possible upcoming Aussie tour recently and their 2024 schedule is clear from August onwards.
The biggest rock and roll band in the world played a sellout show at Adelaide Oval in October 2014 and a similar crowd would surely turn up next November.
Hilltop Hoods
They’ve done it before and they could easily do it again. Homegrown hip-hop superstars the Hoods would make for a cracking closing night concert and get the massive crowd of revheads jumping on their feet.
Foo Fighters
The US rockers play at Coopers Stadium on Saturday night, but who’s to say they wouldn’t mind coming back in 12 months’ time for an even bigger show in Victoria Park?
The motorsport crowd would love it and the Best of You singalong would be EPIC.
Crowded House
Some might argue their music is a little too cerebral for the Adelaide 500 crowd but perhaps we’re selling V8 fanatics short?
Their catchy, pop tunes have been soundtrack to our lives for over 30 years and I’m sure revheads won’t be dreaming it’s over when Neil Finn and the boys take to the stage.
Metallica
Give them fuel, give them fire, give them that which they desire...
If there’s one act sure to get the rev heads firing it's the kings of metal, Metallica themselves.
The legendary rockers have sold out venues and festivals in Adelaide before and they can do it again.
They’re one crew that we can be sure will be able to match the high tempo on track at the Adelaide 500.
And they’re touring globally next year too.
Pink
No one gets the party started quite like Pink.
The US singer-songwriter will rock Adelaide Oval on February 27 as part of a 11-date tour Down Under early in 2024.
But Pink has long declared her love for Australia and it wouldn’t be the biggest surprise if she returned for a special gig at next year’s Supercars finale.
Taylor Swift
Let’s not hold our breath here but surely organisers have at least made a call to Tay Tay’s management?
What better way to make it up to her Adelaide fans – after snubbing the City of Churches on her upcoming Aussie tour – with a massive show at the V8s?
It would certainly prove a boon for ticket sales, given the demand for Swift’s east coast shows in early 2024, plus her current beau, Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce, is a big motorsport fan, and a recent investor in Formula One team Alpine.
Never say never...
Adelaide 500 wins Best Supercars event again
By Agnes Gichuhi
For the second year in a row, VAILO’s Adelaide 500 has taken the crown for the Best Supercars Event for 2023.
The fan-voted category saw organisers snatch up the prestigious award at the annual Repco Supercars Championship Gala Awards on Monday November 27.
This year, the world renowned four-day event garnered about 260,000 punters from across the country from November 23 to 26 – living up to expectations as Australia’s biggest ticketed motorsport event.
VAILO Adelaide 500’s chief executive Mark Warren said it was a proud moment for the organisers to win the award again, as they start planning for 2024.
“This award is for every one of the over 260,000 fans that walked through the gates and made the event what it is, and the countless hours of work our team put in to deliver a world-class event yet again,” Mr Warren said.
“From Brodie Kostecki claiming his first Repco Supercars Championship, to American custom car master Dave Kindig’s visiting Australia for the first time.
“And of course Robbie Williams headlining our internationally acclaimed after-race concert series, our event truly offered something for everyone.”
For the past 24 years, Adelaide has hosted the 3.219km street circuit supercars event – with the exception of 2021 when the event was cancelled.
“We’ve continued to receive great feedback from drivers and teams alike who love racing on the streets of Adelaide, and being embraced by South Australia and its love for motorsport; which continues to benefit millions to the state’s economy year on year,” he said.
“Planning for 2024 has already begun, and we can’t wait to welcome back fans from across Australia and the world to the iconic Adelaide Parklands Street Circuit again next year.”
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