An epic 17-day statewide live music celebration will take over Victoria this November-December, from Wodonga to Warrnambool, Brunswick to Ballarat.
Always Live returns for its second year, set to feature more than 165 artists performing across more than 60 events including stadiums shows, one-off gigs, and intimate performances, supported by the State Government through Visit Victoria.
The Always Live opening weekend will kick off with a bang, as six-time GRAMMY-winning US singer-songwriter, activist, actor and icon Christina Aguilera performs for one night only at Flemington Racecourse. Christina’s got one of the most successful recording careers of all time, and a monumental back-catalogue including ‘Dirrty’, ‘Genie In A Bottle’, ‘What A Girl Wants’, ‘Lady Marmalade’, and ‘Beautiful’. Her Always Live performance marks the 20th anniversary of iconic album ‘Stripped’, and it’s also Christina’s first Australian show since 2007.
Legendary Swedish DJ and producer Eric Prydz will bring the stunning sets and 3D visuals of his internationally-acclaimed ‘HOLO’ show to Melbourne too. It was regarded by many as a standout of Coachella 2023’s opening weekend.
Next up is Australian hip hop duo A.B. Original, from Yorta Yorta rapper Briggs and Ngarrindjeri MC and producer Trials. They lead the second iteration of Always Live’s Hometown series, celebrating homegrown excellence and seeing high profile First Nations artists returning to their hometowns for free performances. A.B. Original will headline a mammoth free show at Victoria Park Lake, with a line-up including support from Yorta Yorta/ Kalkadoon/Yirendali performer Miss Kaninna, Yorta Yorta Kaieltheban songwriter, hip hop artist and producer, DRMNGNOW and more.
An Intimate Audience With Jessie Ware, presented by Summer Camp Festival, will give 120 people the chance to spend an evening in the company of the UK disco-pop superstar for her only Australian headline show.
Throughout regional Victoria, audiences can expect Amyl And The Sniffers for a seven-date state-wide tour, supported by Dumb Punts. Then there’s Australian rock icon, artist, activist and Midnight Oil frontman Peter Garrett, with new music from his band The Alter Egos, in Wangaratta.
Punk rockers Cosmic Psychos will celebrate their 40th anniversary by taking over Castlemaine, playing three shows over three nights. Supports will include The Chats, Blowers, Affordable Repayments, Dead Clampets, Pat Todd (USA), The Prize, Thee Cha Cha Chas, Southeast Desert Metal, Boondall Boys and more.
International and local artists will perform in iconic regional locations, broadcast on Channel Seven’s ‘Sunrise’. This year includes Amy Shark, Tones And I, Budjerah, and Jessie Ware.
Back into metro Melbourne, UK-Indian songwriter and producer Jai Paul will play a rare run of Victoria-only shows. US alt-pop diva Caroline Polachek will play Forum Theatre, and singer-songwriter Angie McMahon will play for an intimate audience along with a Q&A.
At Hamer Hall, King Stingray will bring together a stunning line-up of First Nations artists, including Tasman Keith, Emma Donovan, Uncle Bart Willoughby, Deline Briscoe, Sorong Samarai, Suga Cane Mamas, the Kulin Nations Songwomen, and the Blaktivism house band for a live showcase of songs centred around protest, and what it means to be B-L-A-K.
Taylor Made, the ultimate Taylor Swift tribute show, has a line-up of some of Australia’s favourite performers including Alex the Astronaut, Charley, Clare Bowditch, Emily Wurramurra, Kate Miller-Heidke, Lisa Mitchell, and Sophia J Smith.
Punters can check out free shows in the CBD from the likes of Emma Donovan, Kee’ahn, Kiwat Kennel, Maylene Yinnar, Katie Aspel, Janaya Roach and more.
The suburbs will come alive too – Tones And I, The Cat Empire, The Veronicas, Budjerah, KAIIT and The Pierce Brothers play Mornington Park; Holy Holy and Aleksiah play in Doncaster; ILLY and Nooky play Werribee; The Temper Trap play Frankston; Northeast Party House play Village Green; Casey Barnes and Taylor Moss play South Morang; and Ruby Fields and Adam Newling play Mt Evelyn.
Summer Camp returns in 2023 with a high camp, diverse line-up featuring Jessie Ware, Trixie Mattel, and more to be announced.
Lee Fields & The Expressions will be joined by Surprise Chef on a tour across Metro train lines. . . The Jamaican Food And Music Festival will returns to Seaworks in Williamstown. . . And Ballroom Mixtapes is a celebration of new music launching new singles, EPs and albums at Brunswick Ballroom.
Check out the dates and details for each event here.
Always Live Victoria is on from 24 November-10 December.
