It's time to buckle up and strap yourself in for a wild, buckin' ride country music fans.
Australia's biggest gathering of American country music stars, alongside a staple of local legends and emerging talent, CMC Rocks QLD returns in 2025 for its 18th anniversary led by a trio of superstar US singer-songwriters.To again take place at Willowbank, just west of Brisbane, 21-23 March next year, CMC Rocks welcomes their 2025 headliner class: Cody Johnson ('Til You Can't', 'Me And My Kind'), Jon Pardi ('Head Over Boots', 'Heartache On The Dance Floor') and Thomas Rhett ('Die A Happy Man', 'Look What God Gave Her').
This will be Cody's CMC Rocks debut, having recently toured Australia with Luke Combs last year; with 7.5 billion global streams and 3 US #1 songs, Cody has also being named CMT Artist of The Year and Best New Country Artist at the iHeart Music Awards alongside three CMT Music Awards wins and two CMA Awards.
Signed to Capitol Nashville, in 2023 Pardi gained one of country music's crowning achievements when he was inducted as a member of the Grand Ole Opry – the California-native invited by the icon Alan Jackson. Pardi recently released his new single 'Friday Night Heartbreaker', his first new music since his 2022 album 'Mr. Saturday Night'.
With 5 Grammy nominations, 16 billion global streams and award wins at ACM Awards, CMT, Billboard, iHeartRadio and CMA Awards, Rhett returns to CMC Rocks for the first time in five years. Thomas has released three studio albums since his last visit down under including this year's 'About A Woman' (featuring 'Beautiful As You').
Other international visitors to CMC Rocks in 2025 include Billy Currington ('Good Directions'), Koe Wetzel ('Something To Talk About'), Muscadine Bloodline ('Porch Swing Angel'), Wyatt Flores ('Please Don't Go'), Larry Fleet ('Where I Find God'), Dylan Marlowe ('All About It'), Ashley Cooke ('Your Place'), Zach Top ('Bad Luck'), Kaylee Bell ('Keith'), Alana Springsteen ('Ghost In My Guitar'), Ole 60 ('Smoke & A Light'), Dalton Dover ('Giving Up On That'), Carter Faith ('Greener Pasture'), Mackenzie Carpenter ('Don't Miss With Exes') and Kashus Culpepper ('After Me?).
"We've been working hard behind the scenes to make CMC Rocks QLD 2025 the biggest one yet – the best experience for our community of CMC Rocks fans and a blockbuster line-up full of the superstars of today and tomorrow. We can't wait to be back in Ipswich next March to share this weekend with you," says Jeremy Dylan, Festival Director, Potts Entertainment.
On the Australian front, Travis Collins ('Thank God I'm A Country Boy') leads the way, alongside the likes of Lane Pittman, Zac & George, Max Jackson, Amy Sheppard, Sinead Burgess, Abbie Ferris, Imogen Clark, The Buckleys and Vixens Of Fall.
"CMC Rocks QLD continues to set the standard as THE place the country community comes together each year to celebrate with friends old and new," Chairman of Chugg Entertainment, Michael Chugg says.
"It's a tradition we're very proud of, an experience that transcends age, time and boundaries, and we're excited to deliver yet another stellar line-up – featuring returning stars alongside some amazing first-time talent – for our community to enjoy in 2025."
CMC Rocks QLD has always been a significant highlight for the country music community, offering not just music but a highly anticipated annual experience.
Unique to the festival is the regular Songwriters Show, a highlight which returns to the Tailgate Stage in 2025. Set as an intimate Nashville-style 'in the round' songwriter's session, the daily set showcases four artists side by side, sharing their songs and the stories behind them in an entirely acoustic setting.
Touted as the 'honky tonk of your dreams', favourite festival hangout Big Time Charlie's makes a splashy return in 2025, promising top-notch cocktails, air-conditioned comfort, and an expanded programme featuring the unmissable beats of Peking Duk's Reuben Styles in his solo project Y.O.G.A., along with DJ Konsky and Dee Jaye Bux.
Also returning is the iconic eight-metre-high cowboy boot, Maton Music Shop, Great Northern Bar, Honky Tonk Stomp line dancing, Live Band Karaoke and much more.
"LIGHT THE FUSE. Here we go! Let's make it a BIG one. 🔥 CMC ROCKS class of 2025 🔥," posted Travis Collins. While Zac & George are pumped to play. "We've been holding this one in for a bit but are so pumped to be announcing we are bringing the show to CMC Rocks 2025!"
Currently showcasing at BIGSOUND in Brisbane, Lane Pittman can't wait to play CMC Rocks. "We're back for the trifecta! Super excited to announce I'll be joining my mate Cody Johnson as well as Jon Pardi, Thomas Rhett and a string of others at CMC Rocks 2025!"
The Buckleys are just as excited to be added to the 2025 line-up. "LET'S 👏 GO 👏 We can't bloody wait for this one. . . The Bucks are coming back to CMC Rocks and it's gonna be one hell of a party!"
Amy Shepherd is also pumped for the 2025 festival. "This time the rumours are true! I'm absolutely stoked to be included in the legendary line up for CMC Rocks! It's one of Australia's biggest and best festivals, and I'm honoured to be performing alongside some of the greatest artists in country music. Let's go!"
Tickets on sale from 10am AEST on 12 September.
CMC Rocks QLD takes place at Willowbank (Ipswich) 21-23 March, 2025.
CMC Rocks QLD 2025 Line-up
Cody JohnsonJon Pardi
Thomas Rhett
Cole Swindell
Billy Currington
Koe Wetzel
Muscadine Bloodline
Wyatt Flores
Larry Fleet
Dylan Marlowe
Ashley Cooke
Zach Top
Kaylee Bell
Alana Springsteen
Ole 60
Travis Collins
Dalton Dover
Carter Faith
Mackenzie Carpenter
Kashus Culpepper
Lane Pittman
Zac & George
Kezia Gill
Max Jackson
Amy Sheppard
Sinead Burgess
Abbie Ferris
Imogen Clark
The Buckleys
Denvah
Vixens Of Fall
Y.O.G.A.
Dee Jaye Bux
DJ Konsky
With stage hosts Storme Warren, Mike Carr & D.J. Grizzly Adams
