As the countdown to the final edition of Bluesfest begins, organisers have revealed the second wave of artists joining the all-Australian lineup for Bluesfest 2025.
From the long-awaited return of Hilltop Hoods to fan-favourite acts like Xavier Rudd, John Butler, The Cat Empire, and Kasey Chambers, this lineup reflects the best of Australian music, while paying homage to the festival’s rich legacy in blues and roots.
Leading the charge is the long-awaited return of Hilltop Hoods, who will headline Sunday night. As one of Australia’s most successful hip-hop groups, Hilltop Hoods have cemented their legacy with six #1 albums and ten ARIA awards.
Following their recent releases, including the 2023 single ‘Laced Up,’ and their record-breaking tally of 23 songs in Triple J’s Hottest 100, the Hoods are set to ignite the Bluesfest stager.
Home-grown legends
Another returning favourite is Xavier Rudd, whose performances at Bluesfest have always captivated audiences with his multi-instrumental prowess and commitment to social and environmental activism.
John Butler, one of Australia’s premier alternative songwriters, returns to Bluesfest with his new band. Known for iconic hits like ‘Zebra’ and ‘Ocean,’ Butler has built a reputation as one of Australia’s most successful independent musicians, with his genre-defying sound resonating with fans across the globe.
Aussie music icons The Cat Empire will also join Bluesfest 2025. Having recently revamped their lineup, The Cat Empire released their tenth studio album, Where The Angels Fall, in 2023, which was met with widespread acclaim. Known for their exhilarating and genre-defying live performances, the band has performed to sold-out crowds across the world, including at major festivals like Glastonbury.
Kasey Chambers’ distinctive voice and heartfelt lyrics have made her one of the most successful and acclaimed artists of her generation, making her return to Bluesfest a much-anticipated highlight of the final festival.
With timeless hits like ‘Not Pretty Enough’ and ‘The Captain,’ Chambers’ set will bring her storied career full circle as she takes the stage once more in Byron Bay.
Bluesfest 2025 is proud to celebrate the incredible contributions of First Nations artists, with Budjerah, Miss Kaninna, and Velvet Trip joining the lineup.
Budjerah, one of the rising stars of the Australian music scene, brings a soulful voice and deeply personal storytelling to his performances, blending tradition with modernity. Miss Kaninna’s powerful cultural narratives and commanding stage presence have established her as one of Australia’s most exciting new talents.
Velvet Trip, whose lead singer Zeppelin Hamilton is of First Nations heritage, adds a bluesy and psychedelic sound to the mix, captivating audiences with their raw energy and unique style.
Together, these artists will showcase the richness and diversity of First Nations music at Bluesfest 2025.
But wait, there’s more
The 2025 festival will also see the return of festival favourites Melbourne Ska Orchestra, CW Stoneking, Lachy Doley Group, Ash Grunwald, and Kim Churchill, all of whom are beloved by Bluesfest fans.
In a special treat, The Beards will reunite exclusively for Bluesfest 2025.
Additionally, new and exciting acts such as Fools, Roshani, Sweet Talk and The Memphis Three round out this diverse and dynamic second artist announcement, ensuring that Bluesfest 2025 will be a festival for the ages.
Organisers say 60 per cent of entry tickets are already sold, with camping tickets 92 per cent sold and large camping vehicle allocation sold out.
While the economic impact of Bluesfest is undeniable, the festival is still facing closure after its final event in 2025.
Local state MP Tamara Smith has launched an E-petition calling on the NSW government to provide a rescue package for Bluesfest. If this reaches 20,000 signatures, parliament will be required to hold a debate on the future of Bluesfest.
After just three weeks, 6,000 signatures have already been recorded.
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