Coronavirus Australia: Artists honour heroes from the home front

Courtney Barnett will be part of Music From the Home Front Picture: Jason Edwards

Jimmy Barnes, Paul Kelly, Birds of Tokyo and Delta Goodrem are on the line-up for a televised concert that will honour the Anzac spirit and frontline health workers as the nation battles the invisible foe of coronavirus.

The artists will be filmed in lockdown from their own homes, and the virtual mega-concert — called Music from the Home Front — will be broadcast on the Nine Network on Saturday evening.

Frontier Touring chief Michael Gudinski said he had planned the concert within 10 days, after discussions with Barnes and “music tragic” Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews.

Dozens of artists are taking part to honour the work of Australia’s medical heroes during the COVID-19 health crisis.

Ben Lee will be joining from the US. In Perth, Birds of Tokyo will appear with members of the West Australian Symphony Orchestra. Other artists include Courtney Barnett, Vance Joy, the Wiggles and Kevin Parker, aka Tame ­Impala. More artists will be added in coming days.

Gudinski, who missed being conscripted by one day during the Vietnam War, said Anzac Day was a special one for Australians.

“We are a lucky country, and I think we all deserve a celebration on a special night,” he said. “I hope it blows people’s minds. It’s all about enthusiasm and entertainment in a unique situation that we hope our world is never in again.”

The lockdown has deeply affected the live music industry, and Gudinski said he did not expect there would be any international tours for the rest of the year.

He said Music from the Home Front was not a commercial venture nor a fundraiser.

“It will be one of the most uplifting, special days that shows that Australian music is always there through these times,” he said.

“The (music) crews aren’t getting work, there’s no live concerts, but the people taking the risks every day are working in hospitals — the nurses, doctors and surgeons really deserve to be lauded.”