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AFL locks in Grand Final entertainment, NRL close to confirming its entertainment

THE AFL has pulled off a major coup with this year’s Grand Final entertainment. One of the biggest bands of the past decade is set to rock the MCG and a big TV audience.

Meat Loaf fell flat during the 2011 pre-match entertainment.
Meat Loaf fell flat during the 2011 pre-match entertainment.

LAS Vegas rockers The Killers are set to headline the musical entertainment at this year’s AFL grand final.

Although the league refused to ratify it when contacted on Wednesday, music industry sources have confirmed the American band is locked in for the biggest day on the football calendar.

The Killers won’t play any additional Australian shows.

The band will release its first album since 2012 just 10 days before the AFL’s showcase event on September 30 and have been on the league’s wishlist for some time, with rumours first circulating via 3AW last month that they could be headed Down Under.

They are also set to release their new single The Man next Thursday, June 15.

The Killers haven’t been to Australia since they played at the Big Day Out in 2013.

The band has sold more than 22 million records worldwide since they formed in 2001.

The Killers.
The Killers.
The Killers lead singer Brandon Flowers at the Big Day Out in 2013.
The Killers lead singer Brandon Flowers at the Big Day Out in 2013.

They follow Sting, Ed Sheeran, Chris Isaak, Tom Jones, Ellie Goulding, Vance Joy, The Living End, Birds of Tokyo, Paul Kelly and of course Meatloaf as artists and bands to perform on grand final day.

Meanwhile, it’s understood Pearl Jam is at the top of the queue to play at the NRL grand final on October 1.

The iconic grunge band, which was formed in Seattle 27 years ago, was recently inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame by comedian David Letterman.

Sting in action at the AFL Grand Final. Picture: AAP
Sting in action at the AFL Grand Final. Picture: AAP
Tom Jones on stage at the AFL Grand Final. Picture: David Caird
Tom Jones on stage at the AFL Grand Final. Picture: David Caird
Pearl Jam’s Eddie Vedder, bound for the NRL Grand Final. Picture: Attila Szilvasi
Pearl Jam’s Eddie Vedder, bound for the NRL Grand Final. Picture: Attila Szilvasi

Keith Urban was the headline performer at last year’s NRL decider, which was won by the Cronulla Sharks.

On Wednesday an NRL spokesman said that it was not in a position to confirm its grand final entertainment just yet but strong rumours have been circulating that Pearl Jam is the league’s show of choice.

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Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/more-news/afl-locks-in-grand-final-entertainment-nrl-close-to-confirming-its-entertainment/news-story/e788c342475b98bae22af197ae59350e