Each year, the Gold Coast proves why it’s one of Australia’s premier destinations for live music — and Blues on Broadbeach is right at the heart of it.
Returning from May 15th to 18th, the beloved festival is gearing up for its biggest celebration yet, with four massive days of soul, rock ’n’ roll, roots, and rhythm taking over the vibrant streets, parks, bars, and beachfronts of Broadbeach.
Now in its 24th year, Blues on Broadbeach remains one of the country’s largest free music festivals, hosting more than 70 acts across 17 stages. This year’s lineup is packed with homegrown legends and rising stars — and to help you navigate the stacked schedule, we’ve rounded up a few top picks, straight from the artists themselves.
Head to bluesonbroadbeach.com for all the details.
Jimmy Barnes on DIESEL:
“I’m looking forward to seeing DIESEL. I know that sounds funny because he’s my brother-in-law, but we haven’t crossed paths at a show for a while. If I don’t get to see Mark [Lizotte] play often I feel like I’m missing out. Every single time I see him play he blows my mind. He’s such a prolific songwriter that there are always new songs to hear – he’s a great singer and a blistering guitar player. He’s the perfect act.”
DIESEL on Vika & Linda:
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“To witness Vika and Linda is to witness life itself. Although I’ve been blessed to have had the opportunity to work with them, I feel I’ve not gotten to see them as much I would have liked, as the times I have, they’ve blown me away with a kind of elevation that I can only recall from visiting the reverend Al Green on a Sunday morning. You will feel better for seeing them!”
Vika & Linda on Tessa Devine:
“Tessa Devine has opened for us a couple of times, she captivated our audience and almost stole the show with her incredible voice and natural stage presence! She’s a fantastic hard working independent artist, make sure you catch her at the festival.”
Salmonella Dub on The Cruel Sea:
“We all gotta see the Sea. The Cruel Sea’s name truly reflects the mood of their sound. It’s been 25 years since we hung. Back then the Sea were a refreshing blend of Nick Cave meets the Doors via that guy with the lips – No not Mick – Tex is more Steve Tyler.
“Personally, I’m keen to see if the Sea have aged any better than I have – but more importantly – did our hang continue to swing their back beat? Last I heard they were floating the shipwreck off Bermuda rock into the Caribbean via studio in Byron. My word to the punter is bring ya life jackets – we’re all going see the Sea.”
