Two of the biggest gatherings of music lovers annually in a couple of the remotest locations globally, the 2023 editions of Birdsville Big Red Bash and Broken Hill Mundi Mundi Bash will be headlined by Australian new wave royalty Icehouse ('Great Southern Land', 'Electric Blue').
In addition, both 2023 events will feature a slew of the biggest names in pub-rock and indie rock (Hoodoo Gurus, Pete Murray, The Angels, Dragon, Chocolate Starfish), as well as country-folk stars (Troy Cassar-Daley, The Waifs, Shane Howard, Pierce Brothers, Melanie Dyer, Caitlyn Shadbolt).While the world of pop-soul will be represented by the likes of Human Nature, Kate Ceberano, Grace Knight, Jack Jones, Wendy Matthews, and Chantoozies plus cover-king warriors Furnace & The Fundamentals.
A number of acts will feature exclusively at one event only: Ross Wilson (Big Red Bash), Thirsty Merc (Mundi Mundi Bash), and Mi-Sex (Mundi Mundi Bash).
"Icehouse is looking forward to playing in such iconic parts of this great home of ours at the Big Red Bash and Mundi Mundi Bash," the band's frontman Iva Davies says.
"Forty years ago, I wrote 'Great Southern Land' about an experience I had flying over the great expanse of Australian desert. Now the band and I will finally get a chance to play in that region and experience it from the ground along with a great array of Australian talent."
Birdsville Big Red Bash will also transport the event back to its roots in 2023, with Aussie country living legend John Williamson set to recreate his original performance atop the same sand dune that started it all.
Originally invited to perform acoustically at the top of a big red dune to welcome runners home in the 2013 Big Red Run ultra-marathon, the 'bush telegraph' was buzzing with the intel travelling far and wide attracting punters who gathered to witness the seminal moment.
It would inspire the seeding of the idea to host music lovers in the middle of the desert.
"I had no idea when I was invited to sing on the Big Red sand dune in July 2013," begins John reminiscing, "primarily to a gathering of marathon runners, supporters and helpers, that it would inspire one of the biggest music festivals in the world, and certainly one of the most remote.
"Just me, my stomp box and guitarist, Col Watson. Nowadays the festival is so big that the Big Red sand dune overlooks the festival stage and campsite, which looks like a city of caravans and 4-wheel drives.
"Now when I finish my performance with 'True Blue', a sea of mobile phone torches sway in the dark like glow worms, as far as I can see.
"Greg Donovan [festival owner] has to be congratulated for pursuing his dream. I'm very proud to have been there at the very beginning and can't wait to return again in 2023. Australia should be proud that the festival pays homage to our wonderful Outback."
Adds Greg: "It's so exciting to have such a stellar roll-call of Australian musicians who represent different generations and genres of music – from classic Oz rock, through to pop, roots, folk, country and more.
"We can't wait to throw one hell of a ten-year-anniversary party for the Birdsville Big Red Bash, and to cement the Broken Hill Mundi Mundi Bash as one of the most unique bucket list live music experiences New South Wales has to offer."
From the desert of Nevada to the red earth of Outback Australia, Human Nature are "thrilled to rock-out alongside some of our favourite musicians and bands next year for the Big Red Bash and Mundi Mundi Bash.
"It's so exciting to be making a desert change from Nevada, USA, to our stunning homeland and performing in the wide Australian outback. It will be one of the loudest and most energised audiences we could imagine. We cannot wait to join the fun in 2023."
Another icon of Australian music, indie underground mainstays Hoodoo Gurus return to fond memories while finally checking-off a long-held bucket-list item.
"This will be our second visit to Birdsville, but our first time in Broken Hill, which kinda boggles the mind given the Hoodoo Gurus have been playing for 40 years," declares a staggered Dave Faulkner.
"What took us so long? We first played the Big Red Bash in 2018 and have vivid memories of the incredible scenery, and the even more incredible people we met along the way.
"The combination of music, a taste for adventure and good times with good friends made the whole experience unforgettable. We were all a bunch of happy campers and we can't wait to do it again."
While the music is the major drawcard, both festivals also offer a swag of entertainment options and activities.
Alongside world record attempts for the Nutbush dance and Mad Max dress-ups, patrons can get their fill of LOLs from a stacked comedy programme, sample an eclectic range of outdoor film screenings, and witness the iconic drag competitions.
For the more adventurous, scenic helicopter flights, camel rides, charity fun runs are on the menu. Both festivals have dog-friendly camping and concert areas, while children aged 11-and-under can attend for free.
Birdsville Big Red Bash takes place 4-6 July, 2023. Broken Hill Mundi Mundi Bash takes place 17-19 August, 2023.
Tickets on sale from 25 October (Big Red Bash and Mundi Mundi Bash). Each event has capacity for 10,000 revellers.
Birdsville Big Red Bash 2023 Line-Up
IcehouseJohn Williamson
Hoodoo Gurus
Human Nature
Pete Murray
The Angels
The Waifs
Kate Ceberano
Troy Cassar-Daley
Ross Wilson
Dragon
Chocolate Starfish
Shane Howard
Pierce Brothers
Wendy Matthews
Grace Knight
Jack Jones
Melanie Dyer
Caitlyn Shadbolt
Furnace and the Fundamentals
The Chantoozies
The Big Red Bash Band
Broken Hill Mundi Mundi Bash 2023 Line-Up
IcehouseHoodoo Gurus
Human Nature
Pete Murray
The Angels
The Waifs
Kate Ceberano
Troy Cassar-Daley
Dragon
Thirsty Merc
Chocolate Starfish
Shane Howard
Jack Jones
Pierce Brothers
Wendy Matthews
Grace Knight
The Chantoozies
Melanie Dyer
Caitlyn Shadbolt
Furnace and the Fundamentals
Mi-Sex
Tha Boiz
The Mundi Mundi Bash Band
The Waterbag Band
