Powderfinger teased to headline Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic opening ceremony

Powderfinger bassist John Collins says the “deal is done” and the band will reunite to be the headline acts for the Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games opening ceremony in 2032. There’s just one catch.

Bassist John Collins has hinted Brisbane rock band Powderfinger may reunite to be the headline act for the city’s 2032 Olympic Games.

In a recent chat with Nova Brisbane radio hosts Ash Bradnam, David ‘Luttsy’ Lutteral, and Susie O’Neill, Collins dropped the bombshell.

Members of Australian rock band Powderfinger.

Having supposedly sealed the deal with Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk after “a couple of wines,” Collins revealed.

“I think the deal is done, I just haven’t told the band.”

While it’s unclear if this revelation was made in jest, or is a genuine scoop, the thought of Powderfinger’s return was enough to send the Nova hosts into a flurry of excitement.

Bradnam noted the band’s undeniable connection to the city, commenting on the perfect fit of having such an “iconic” and “legendary” band tied to Brisbane take centre stage.

Powderfinger guitarists Darren Middleton and Ian Haug play songs in the Cross River Rail tunnel where Albert Street Station will be.

He further imagined, “And the opening ceremony could be sort of at like sunset time.”

O’Neill even toyed with the idea of co-ordinating the band’s performance with the lighting of the Olympic flame.

While the news remains unofficial, David ‘Luttsy’ Lutteral couldn’t hide his excitement and anticipation, concluding that seeing the band at the opening ceremony is something that’s “got to happen.”

“The crowd would go off.”

Collins, on the other hand, took a humorous jab at the age factor, quipping they’d “probably need some good access for old fellows coming up the stage.”

Music promoter and Powderfinger bassist John Collins inside The Goods Shed during a tour of the city's potential live music venues, Friday, May 6, 2022. Picture: Kevin Farmer

The interview was not solely about the Olympics, it also celebrated the 20th anniversary of Powderfinger’s classic fifth album ‘Vulture Street.’ Fans are in for a treat as Collins spoke about the release of a limited edition 3LP coloured vinyl set, available from this Friday, August 25.