Australia’s most awarded music festival, Bluesfest, presents the first wave of acts set to perform at the festival this coming Easter.
The 2026 line-up celebrates icons, long-awaited returns, and fresh discoveries in music.
Leading the charge are pioneering rock visionaries Split Enz, performing their first Australian show in more than 20 years. The reunion features original members Tim Finn, Neil Finn, Noel Crombie and Eddie Rayner with Matt Eccles on drums and James Milne on bass.
“Split Enz will be doing their first Australian show since 2006, right here at Byron Bay Bluesfest,” Festival Director Peter Noble OAM says. “Yep, here we go! With 25 platinum and 7 gold albums to their name across Australasia, Bluesfest fans will be the first to see them play in Australia following their triumphant return show in New Zealand.”
Next up, Earth, Wind & Fire return to Bluesfest for the first time since 2012. Formed in 1969, the group became a musical institution, scoring eight #1s, selling more than 100 million albums, and earning nine GRAMMY Awards.
California trailblazers Sublime, who fuse punk, ska, reggae and hip hop, defined a generation. They’ll make their long-awaited debut at Bluesfest in 2026, reuniting founding members Eric Wilson and Bud Gaugh with Jakob Nowell, son of late frontman Bradley Nowell.
Southern rock titans The Black Crowes are next, bringing their soulful swagger and untamed spirit back to Bluesfest for the first time since 2008. With two GRAMMY nominations and 30 million album sales, The Black Crowes continue to earn their place in the rock & roll world.
Bluesman Buddy Guy returns for a historic performance, continuing to inspire generations and carry forward the legacy which shaped Hendrix, Clapton, and Vaughan.
Counting Crows are the beloved American alt-rock storytellers led by Adam Duritz. They return to Bluesfest with their poetic lyricism and unmistakable sound. They’ve sold more than 20 million albums, and have a reputation for deeply emotional, ever-evolving live performance.
Then there’s the long-awaited return of Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band, who celebrate the 30th anniversary of ‘Ledbetter Heights’. Plus, for the first time ever in Australia, Jerry Harrison and Adrian Belew will come together to perform Talking Heads’ iconic album ‘Remain In Light’ in full.
16-year-old Australian-born guitarist and singer-songwriter Taj Farrant, based in the US, has earned international acclaim and millions of followers. He returns for his third consecutive Bluesfest appearance.
Aussie rock royalty and homegrown soul The Living End and Xavier Rudd join the fun respectively, bringing electrifying live sets and messages of unity and freedom.
Fan favourites and rising stars join the celebration including blues band Chain, Sunshine Coast indie-folk duo The Dreggs, Fremantle genre-bending five-piece South Summit, Perth riotous rock revivalists The Southern River Band, trio Backsliders, folk-rockers Pierce Brothers, and multi-instrumentalist Aine Tyrrell.
“All up, the artists in this announcement have collectively sold around 180 million albums. The Black Crowes – 30 million, Counting Crows – 20 million, Sublime – 20 million – and the list goes on. Between them, they’ve earned 58 platinum and 43 gold albums, plus an extraordinary number of awards, including nine GRAMMYs for Earth, Wind & Fire and nine GRAMMYs for the greatest living bluesman, Buddy Guy,” Peter Noble OAM says.
“We’re also making some major improvements to the festival experience. Our main stage will have a bigger venue footprint, new seating zones, and undercover areas for campers and deck chairs - both indoor and outdoor. Plus, we’re adding more buses to more areas, responding directly to what our audience has asked for.
“This is just the first announcement. Enjoy this one – and we can’t wait to see you at Byron Bay Bluesfest 2026, Easter Weekend.”
Tickets on sale now.
Bluesfest is on from 2-5 April 2026 at Byron Events Farm.
Bluesfest 2026 First Line-Up
Split EnzEarth, Wind & Fire
Sublime
The Black Crowes
Buddy Guy
Counting Crows
The Pogues
Marcus King Band
Jerry Harrison & Adrian Belew “Remain In Light”
The Living End
Xavier Rudd
Mental As Anything
Mark Seymour
Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band
Robert Randolph
Taj Farrant
Skegss
The Dreggs
South Summit
The Southern River Band
19-Twenty
Chain
Backsliders
Pierce Brothers
Áine Tyrrell
Ray Beadle
Steve Poltz
Daniel Champagne
Nik West (Exclusive)
Roshani
Angelique Francis (Exclusive)
Jovin Webb (Exclusive)
Z-Star
Ben Catley
Laid Back Country Picker (Exclusive)
