Byron Bay Bluesfest unveils 2017 line-up

LEGENDARY American rock poet Patti Smith will make her long-awaited return to the Australian stage at the annual Bluesfest next year.

Music legend Patti Smith will perform at next year’s Bluesfest. Picture: Supplied

LEGENDARY American rock poet Patti Smith will make her long-awaited return to the Australian stage at the annual Bluesfest next year.

The annual Byron Bay festival also unveiled the Zac Brown Band and The Lumineers alongside revered pioneers Buddy Guy, Bonnie Raitt and Mavis Staples with their first line-up announcement for the 2017 festival.

One of the longest running music events in Australia, Bluesfest has successfully blended its bill of veteran architects of the genre with a younger breed of artists who fuse everything from rock to hip-hop.

The Lumineers frontman Wesley Schultz performs at Bluesfest in 2013. Picture: Supplied

Those who like to book their trek to Byron Bay early may also be swayed by an eclectic roster which includes Jethro Tull, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Gregory Porter, Beth Hart, Laura Mvula, Andrew Bird, Rickie Lee Jones, Joan Osborne and Turin Brakes.

Promoter Peter Noble said it took him three years to secure Patti Smith for the festival and she will be performing her seminal 1975 debut album Horses in its entirety.

Ricki Lee Jones will perform next year. Picture: Supplied

Mavis Staples will take the stage. Picture: Supplied

Guy and Staples will be exclusive to the festival and not play sideshows in other cities.

“We will pay homage to the current King of the Blues, Buddy Guy who at 80 years old is still delivering incredible live performances. His two exclusive plays at Bluesfest will be the only opportunity to see him in Australia,” Noble said.

“Same for Mavis Staples, who we are paying our huge respect to, over four exclusive performances. We love Mavis and so does her adoring audience.”

Sideshows by other Bluesfest artists are generally announced later in the year.

Tickets are now on sale via bluesfest.com.au.

The Zac Brown Band will play Bluesfest. Picture: Warner Music/C Taylor Crothers