ARIAs target big stars for birthday

ORGANISERS have Robbie Williams in their sights for the ARIAs as the awards turn 30, with local acts like Troye Sivan and Sia expected to get nominations.

THERE’S a date and a venue and now the drama of who gets to star at the 30th anniversary of the ARIA Awards begins, with Robbie Williams believed to be the first international superstar organisers are keen to secure.

The music industry tribute at The Star in Sydney on November 23 is expected to honour the international success of artists Flume, Troye Sivan, Keith Urban, Sia and The Avalanches with nominations.

Those who have commanded the top spot of the ARIA album and single charts in the past year who should figure in the industry and publicly voted awards include Jimmy Barnes, Hilltop Hoods, Delta Goodrem, Matt Corby, The Veronicas, Violent Soho, Rufus, 5 Seconds Of Summer and Parkway Drive.

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There have been just two No. 1 Australian singles in the past year — Flume and Kai’s inescapable Never Be Like You and The Veronicas’ left turn of In My Blood.

But there were 19 No. 1 Australian albums, underscoring yet again the disparity between the fan support of records and lack of traction for homegrown songs across commercial radio and streaming services.

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Mr Entertainment Robbie Williams is on the wishlist for ARIA’s birthday bash in November. Picture: David Crosling

The 30th anniversary of the awards is expected to highlight the history of much-loved Australian achievers as much as the hype surrounding the new crew.

ARIA and the major labels would surely be courting John Farnham — who swept the inaugural awards in 1987 — alongside other winners INXS, Crowded House and John Williamson.

As for international honorary Australians, Williams is very likely to bring his smiling dial and cheeky irreverence to the proceedings.

Firstly, he has a new record to promote in the lucrative lead-up to Christmas and he loves an awards gig, having commanded the red carpet and stage at the 2009 awards.

The organisers desire the attendance of other wildly popular international favourites of Australian music fans including Pink, Justin Timberlake, Justin Bieber, The Weeknd and Michael Bublé.

But the magic moments of the 30th anniversary may come down to the top secret mash-ups of old and new Australian artists which organisers are trying to orchestrate for the big night.

Flume is sure to feature prominently in this year’s ARIA Awards after a massive 12 months. Picture: Tasos Katopodis / Getty Images for Samsung

Other Australian artists likely to score nominations include Gang Of Youths, Paul Dempsey, Montaigne, The Cat Empire, Illy and Hayden James.

The ARIA Awards, Australia’s equivalent to the Grammys and the Brits, kicked off in 1987 with Elton John hosting the ceremony in Sydney.

He infamously warned the industry to keep the Australian music industry’s big night “personal”.

“The only reason I agreed to do this is because it’s not on television. If, in future years, you keep it like that, I think it means something more because it’s much more personal,” he told the

well-lubricated industry crowd.

Singer John Farnham accepts an ARIA Award with singers Slim Dusty and Elton John at the inaugural ARIA Awards in Sydney in 1987. Picture: News Corp Australia

The British music legend proved to be a witty host who made plenty of jokes about his sexuality despite the fact he hadn’t yet divorced his wife Renate Blauel, whom he wed in Sydney in 1984.

“It’s what you get for sleeping with the Queen of England,” he told best female artist Jenny Morris when she admired his brooch.

He also proved to be a huge champion of Australian artists, revealing he had sent six cassettes of the award-winning debut record from Crowded House to BBC Radio 1 DJs because the band’s British label hadn’t agreed to release it there. The ploy worked and the self-titled album was out the following week.

Destination NSW has managed to keep the awards in Sydney even though the State Government lockout laws dampen the after-party options outside the awards host venue, The Star.