‘Don’t dream it’s over’: Bluesfest announces massive line-up for last festival

Iconic Australian festival Bluesfest has released the first group of artists tipped to perform at its last ever event.

Bluesfest has dropped the first line-up for its 36th and final festival.

Crowded House will headline the event, with their classic hit Don’t Dream It’s Over no doubt set to be hailed as a bittersweet moment among festival goers following news the iconic event will be axed after its 36th year.

The band, formed in Melbourne, previously rocked the 2022 Bluesfest, and released a brand new album, Gravity Stairs, in May.

Crowded House will headline Bluesfest.

Vance Joy, whose hit Riptide released more than 10 years ago continues to chart in the ARIAs, is also set to take to the Bluesfest stage.

The two acts will be joined by indie rock band Ocean Alley following their first Bluesfest performance in 2019, while Tones and I will also hit the stage.

The Aussie singer-songwriter (whose full name is Toni Watson) is set to perform at Sydney’s Hordern Pavilion and Newcastle’s Entertainment Centre later this week.

The Bluesfest line-up also features a string of other Aussie talents including RY X, Brad Cox, Pierce Brothers, Fanny Lumsden, 19-Twenty, WILSN, and Taj Farrant, a 15-year-old blues guitarist who played Bluesfest last year and most recently performed at Lollapalooza in Chicago.

Vance Joy will play at Bluesfest for the very first time. Picture: Supplied/Mushroom Group

Tones and I is set to play in Sydney later this week. Picture: Supplied.

Farrant was reportedly one of two artists who were most requested to return to Bluesfest following the 2024 festival, along with eight-piece funk rock band Here Come The Mummies.

Both acts will play exclusively at the festival along with The California Honeydrops, Cimafunk and Neal Francis.

Gary Clark Jr, Rag’n’Bone Man, Allison Russell, Christone ‘Kingfish’ Ingram, Brad Cox, Marc Broussard, Pierce Brothers, Fanny Lumsden, 19-Twenty and WILSN fill out the rest of the drop.

However festival director Peter Noble said this announcement marks “just the beginning”, with more artists set to be announced soon.

“We’re thrilled to unveil the first wave of artists for our grand finale. This line-up, meticulously curated to honour Bluesfest’s rich legacy, features a dynamic mix of legendary and cutting-edge performers,” he said.

“This announcement marks just the beginning. Our second line-up is well and truly in the works and the reveal is on the horizon, promising to further enhance what is set to be an epic farewell.”

Bluesfest director Peter Noble hopes to give Bluesfest an ‘epic farewell’.

Bluesfest is one of 10 festivals that were cancelled this year. Picture: Facebook

Noble also expressed his thanks for the outpouring of support following the tough decision to make next year’s festival the last.

“As we prepare for the final chapter of Bluesfest in 2025, I am profoundly moved by the outpouring of support from thousands in our community, along with the many artists and their management eager to be part of our farewell edition,” he said.

“Thank you all for your heartfelt messages and expressions of solidarity.

“Thank you for being part of this incredible journey. Let’s make the final Bluesfest one for the ages!”

Just last week Noble announced the festival would come to a close following the 2025 event.

News of Bluesfest being axed followed a slew of festival cancellations, including Splendour In The Grass, Groovin The Moo, Spilt Milk, Harvest Rock, Promise Village, and even last year’s Falls Festival.

The iconic Aussie festival, renowned for celebrating roots and blues, first launched in 1990, and has since pulled big names including BB King, Kendrick Lamar, Bob Dylan, Robert Plant, Lauryn Hill, John Mayer and Santana to the stage.

The final event is set to span four days over the Easter long weekend at the 300-acre Byron Events Farm.

Originally published as ‘Don’t dream it’s over’: Bluesfest announces massive line-up for last festival