BLUES ON BROADBEACH
ANNOUNCES FIRST LINEUP FOR 2025
THE PERFECT MIX OF ICONIC ARTISTS AND NEW TALENT
15 – 18 MAY 2025 | GOLD COAST
Get ready for four days of soulful rhythm and blues at Blues on Broadbeach when it returns to the Gold Coast from 15 – 18 May 2025 with an impressive first lineup set to transform the beachside precinct into a sun-drenched celebration for music lovers.
THE CRUEL SEA | ELI PAPERBOY REED | DIESEL
STEPH STRINGS | BONDI CIGARS | THE HARLEM GOSPEL TRAVELERS
THE MELTDOWN | STEFAN HAUK | QUEENIE | PETE CORNELIUS
ROD PAINE & THE FULLTIME LOVERS | SAMMY OWEN BLUES BAND
SCOTT BROWNE | BERETTA AND SULLIVAN
RHIANNON SIMPSON | ALPHASTOMP | MAJELEN
DON HOPKINS | JAMIE LAMONT | BILLY K BLUES BAND
+ more to be announced!
One of Australia’s largest music festivals, Blues on Broadbeach 2025 is thrilled to welcome the unmistakable gritty blues, swamp rock, and hypnotic groove of one of Australia’s most influential alternative acts of the ‘90s, The Cruel Sea. Formed in 1988 in Sydney, the ARIA award-winning band (with eight wins and twenty nominations), has cemented their place in Australian music history through decades of chart-topping albums, iconic live performances, and cultural influence. With hits like “The Honeymoon’s Over” and albums such as Honeyed Out and Smooth Seas Don’t Make Good Sailors, Blues on Broadbeach will also witness The Cruel Sea perform new tracks from their forthcoming album Straight Into The Sun, set for release Friday 7 March 2025.
Marking 20 years since his debut, Eli Paperboy Reed returns to Australia with his powerful, soul-drenched live show. Known for his sweaty, searing performances and raw, heartfelt sound, Reed delivers every note with passion. With nine acclaimed albums, he’s a true original, still singing, playing, and creating on his own terms. Don’t miss the chance to see one of the most compelling soul performers of our time.
Longtime friends and mentees of Reed, the New York Grammy®-nominated group The Harlem GospelTravelers will take the stage with their dynamic mix of gospel, soul, and funk. With their 2024 album Rhapsody, the extraordinary vocalists of HGT—Ifedayo Gatling, Dennis Bailey and George Marage—will showcase the entire range of music that influences them.
Long time purveyor of blues and Australian music icon, DIESEL and legends of Australian Blues Bondi Cigars, both returning to the festival’s streets, each bringing their own unique sound to the GC! With multiple ARIAs on the mantle for iconic albums such as Hepfidelity and The Lobbyist DIESEL is set to deliver his signature gritty blues-rock, guitar riffs and soulful vocals. Meanwhile, Bondi Cigars, renowned for their infectious blend of blues, soul, funk, and R&B, remain one of Australia’s most beloved live acts, with over three decades of memorable performances and a catalogue of acclaimed albums, including Child in the Desert. Catch a new wave of homegrown blues talent, including Steph Strings, blending her fingerstyle guitar with vibrant percussion and Celtic, blues, and folk influences; Adelaide’s Stefan Hauk, whose blues-rock will have you grooving; and Melbourne’s fiery and charismatic Queenie as she brings her own bold and soulful flair to the stage.
Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said, “The Gold Coast has worked hard to create one of the most vibrant annual events calendars of any city in Australia.
“Topping the bill is Blues on Broadbeach and 2025 promises to be the biggest line-up of stars in history.
“The 2025 program is jam-packed with four days of incredible music and entertainment … I’ve even ordered a new Akubra so I’m ready for opening night in May.’’
Festival Director Mark Duckworth said, “The 2025 lineup is the perfect celebration of Australia’s blues heritage, alongside an exciting mix of new talent, blending together into our massive program.
“We’re also stoked to host the soulful energy of international guests Eli Paperboy Reed and recently Grammy nominated for the Best Roots Gospel Album, New York’s Harlem Gospel Travelers here on the Gold Coast, and know they’ll bring something special to the Blues on Broadbeach stages.”
Reed shared his excitement: “I’m truly honoured to be one of the headliners at the iconic Blues on Broadbeach, sharing the stage with some phenomenal local and international artists.
“I can’t wait to spend time on the beautiful Gold Coast, reconnecting with my Australian fans. This time, I’m bringing my all-new show featuring the incredible Harlem Gospel Travelers, and I promise, it’s going to be a weekend to remember!”
Emerging artist Steph Strings said, “After spending so much of the year on the road across Europe and Canada I’m so excited to come back to the Gold Coast and perform at Blues on Broadbeach.
“It’s going to be great to feel the east coast sun again! I can’t wait!”
DIESEL said, “I can’t wait to play Blues on Broadbeach, with such great memories of previous times, I know what to expect and with this year’s lineup, it’s looking to be no exception.”
Twelve Bar Society is also back for Blues on Broadbeach 2025. Now in its fourth year, this exclusive membership club presents blues lovers the chance to connect even deeper with the festival and the artists they love. This year, members will hear from both Eli Paperboy Reed, The Harlem Gospel Travelers and DIESEL as part of the club’s In Conversation sessions. In addition, Twelve Bar Society Members will have access to the exclusive Secret Show on Thursday 15 May 2025.
Available only through Oztix, an exclusive pre-sale will be available to 2024 Twelve Bar Society members from 9am AEST Monday 9 December and tickets to the general public are available from 9am AEST Tuesday 10 December.
Don’t miss out on the ultimate music experience at Blues on Broadbeach 2025! With world-class performances and free entertainment in paradise, it’s time to get amongst the groove.
Blues on Broadbeach is produced by Experience Gold Coast and supported by the Queensland Government, via Tourism and Events Queensland.
BLUES ON BROADBEACH 2025
15 – 18 May | Broadbeach, Gold Coast
bluesonbroadbeach.com
TICKETS FOR TWELVE BAR SOCIETY
Pre-sale available from 9am AEST Monday 9 December
Tickets on sale to the general public from 9am AEST Tuesday 10 December
