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DUA LIPA, CROWDED HOUSE AND SAMPA THE GREAT SET THE STAGE FOR EPIC ‘ALWAYS LIVE’
DUA LIPA, CROWDED HOUSE AND SAMPA THE GREAT SET THE STAGE FOR EPIC ALWAYS LIVE
From the Goldfields to the Grampians, Bendigo to Bright, Melbourne to the Murray – today, Victoria’s newest major event, ALWAYS LIVE, releases further details on its ambitious state-wide celebration of live contemporary music.
In a coup for the state, UK disco-pop superstar Dua Lipa will play an unprecedentedly intimate performance for 2,500 fans in an exclusive Victoria-only event at the iconic Palais Theatre. Marking the only small theatre show of her entire global tour, this will be Dua Lipa as audiences have never seen her and is emblematic of the array of unique, exclusive, and never-to-be-repeated live music experiences that will take place right across the state for ALWAYS LIVE.
Dua Lipa
Staying with the theme of icons appearing in unexpected places, beloved music luminaries Crowded House will take to stage at Gateway Lakes on the banks of the mighty Murray River for an exclusive, ALWAYS LIVE performance in Wodonga. The band will be joined by beloved Australian siblings Angus & Julia Stone and Boy & Bear for a night to remember.
Crowded House
Visionary rapper Sampa the Great, will showcase her latest album As Above so Below and brand-new live show, returning to Melbourne fresh from her upcoming Australian tour support slot with global sensation Billie Eilish. Known for her explosive visuals and poignant lyricism, Sampa the Great is a formidable force in modern hip hop, kicking down the door to usher in a new wave of artistry for the genre.
Sampa The Great
ALWAYS LIVE Chairman Matt Gudinski comments, ‘It’s exciting to see the program for ALWAYS LIVE bought to life, a new major event which reaffirms Victoria as the music state of Australia and Melbourne as one of the leading music cities of the world. Always Live was a dream my late father had to reassure our states’ live music roots and I am proud to be part of the team making it a reality. Featuring over 180 artists, 90 events and engaging 65 industry partners, Always Live is a key part of reinvigorating Victoria through the power of live music. Whether it’s Billy Joel at the MCG, Dua Lipa at the Palais Theatre, Nick Cave at Hanging Rock or one of the many unique events which make up the program, Victoria is the place to be if you love live music.”
“The ALWAYS LIVE team has worked tirelessly with the global music industry to deliver on our vision for a major event dedicated to contemporary live music, and today ALWAYS LIVE reaches an incredible milestone as we deliver our second big program announcement,” said ALWAYS LIVE CEO Steve Smith. “Activating the state across Melbourne’s CBD and suburbs and throughout the regions, ALWAYS LIVE is a true reflection of the depth, breadth and world-class offerings of the live music industry and scene here in Melbourne and Victoria. We are tremendously grateful to our key stakeholders, the Victorian Government and Visit Victoria, for joining us on this journey and for their continued support for an initiative that will bring immense value to the state.”
Billy Joel
Emily Ulman, Programming Director, ALWAYS LIVE echoed Smith’s sentiments: “It has been my honour to work with the music community to dream up this ALWAYS LIVE program. The enormous offering that we present today reflects the energy and atmosphere of contemporary live music in Victoria, and further positions Melbourne and Victoria as the live music capital of Australia. We are thrilled to be collaborating with our many talented industry and community partners to curate an event that will attract global attention to our beloved world-class Victorian scene. I am proud to present this, the first-ever ALWAYS LIVE program.”
“From local talent to some of the world’s biggest names in music, we’re delivering the largest ever live music celebration in Australia while supporting local jobs, businesses, artists and roadies around the state.” said Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos, “We’re bringing Victorians the live music experiences they love, to destinations across the state – offering even more reasons to hit the road and crank the tunes while discovering some of the best drawcards our state has to offer.”
Claptone
Offering something for live music fans everywhere, the ALWAYS LIVE program will see a string of world-class international artists heading to our shores, along with the cream of Australia’s music talent.
One of the country’s most celebrated and loved entertainers, multiple ARIA award-winning R&B/pop artist, songwriter and actress, Jessica Mauboy, will perform a special concert for the community of Bright alongside a line-up of incredible rising stars at the town’s Pioneer Park.
Jessica Mauboy
At Hamer Hall, trailblazing legends Yothu Yindi will deliver a special appearance as part of Blaktivism, which will bring together established and rising First Nations musical activists to explore and highlight the Black Lives Matter movement in an Australian context. Showcasing Yothu Yindi’s unique style, which combines the ancient song cycles of north-east Arnhem land with western rock, this show is not to be missed.
Melbourne’s The Teskey Brothers have curated a phenomenal, soul-drenched lineup of artists for their Lovely Day showcase to welcome summer by the bay at St Kilda’s Palace Foreshore. Headlining the perfect afternoon-into-evening event, The Teskey Brothers will be joined by New York R&B/soul singer Emily King, performing in Australia for the first time since 2017, with support from local artists, Elsy Wameyo and Emma Volard.
Yothu Yindi
100 lucky fans can experience an intimate audience with Sophie Ellis-Bextor (UK) in the idyllic surrounds of the NGV Garden Restaurant.
House music devotees will get a masterclass in vibe as enigmatic DJ and producer Claptone (GER) brings his spellbinding event concept, The Masquerade, to town – promising magic, mystery and intrigue within a supercharged environment of wonder. He’ll be joined by local acts Late Nite Tuff Guy, Torren Foote, Casey Leaver and Sasha Fern, delivering big beats and a party to remember at Riva in St Kilda.
American singer, songwriter and record producer Toro y Moi (USA), often recognised as a spearhead of the 2010s chillwave genre, will play a special show at Northcote Theatre. Set to traverse the diverse terrain of indie rock, ambient and techno, the show will be the artist’s first Australian outing since 2012.
Sophie Ellis Bexter
Brooklyn-based outfit Big Thief (USA) will envelope the Melbourne Recital Centre’s Elizabeth Murdoch Hall with their intensely beautiful folk rock for a special all-ages show.
World Class rapper, Indigenous advocate and Shep-resentative BRIGGS will be bringing his Bad Apple Music crew for a huge night of Blak Excellence at The Curtin Hotel as part of their Bad Apples House Party, including performances from First Nation’s talent BRIGGS, Mo’Ju and Chasing Ghosts plus more to be announced.
Melbourne institution Chapter Music will be celebrating their 30th birthday with a huge all-day party. Chapterfest 30 will feature artists from their expansive roster including Melbourne’s heat beat icons NO ZU, revered Sydney songwriter Laura Jean (solo), eccentric pop auteur Gregor and future rap duo Teether & Kuya Neil, plus many more.
Big Thief
Returning to Footscray Community Arts for a day of music and arts synergy is FLOW Festival, featuring The Far Side (FKA The Pharcyde), Kamaal Williams, THNDO, Elsy Wameyo, Wayne Snow and more. Championing new movements in Hip Hop, Soul, RnB, Jazz and everything soulful, this culturally diverse and gender-balanced line-up provides a safe space for all communities and creatives.
Indie darlings Frente will celebrate the 30th anniversary of multi-platinum, internationally lauded Marvin the Album. Spawning era defining classics like ‘Accidentally Kelly St’, ‘Labour of Love’ and ‘Ordinary Angels’, Simon Austin and Angie Hart will perform this special album in full and together for the first time in years at Brunswick Ballroom.
The Rockin’ the ‘Burbs series will see a line-up of Aus-rock icons take to the stage at some of Melbourne’s most iconic suburban heritage venues. Names include Magic Dirt, Wendy Matthews, Kate Ceberano, The Black Sorrows and many more.
Tash Sultana
Unique accommodation meets live music event, as cult music series OK Motels makes its way back up the Calder for a special ALWAYS LIVE edition in the north-central Victorian town of Charlton. Featuring Cash Savage and The Last Drinks, Nice Biscuit, Elizabeth, Vintage Crop, and a stack more, this one promises good times and plenty of old-fashioned country hospitality.
Then in Bendigo, catch some rays at the inaugural Almost Summer Music Festival. Bringing a bounty of hot talent, the line-up features 16 acts including Black Cab, Gabriella Cohen, Kardajala Kirridarra, Pookie and more, over three stacked days. Think squelchy pop-disco, flirty folk, edgy hip hop, new school R&B, motivated slackers and alt-country – an unmissable happening.
The new additions add to the jaw-dropping roster of previously announced shows. These include Billy Joel at Melbourne Cricket Ground with Tina Arena, which sold out within a day; Nick Cave and Warren Ellis at Hanging Rock in the Macedon Ranges with Courtney Barnett playing two nights; Khruangbin at Sidney Myer Music Bowl in an exclusive line up with Kamasi Washington and Mildlife; Amyl and the Sniffers headlining cult festival Chopped in Victoria’s Goldfields; Tash Sultana headlining Ocean Sounds in Phillip Island; Baker Boy, Isabella Manfredi, Middle Kids and RVG in the Queenscliff Music Festival program; plus Alice Skye performing in Horsham and Isaiah Firebrace performing near Echuca as part of Hometown.
The full round of incredible shows, events and performances in this latest line up announcement can be explored at www.alwayslive.com.au.
Regional Show Dates below:
| Show | Location | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Almost Summer Festival | Capital Theatre, Bendigo | Friday 25 - Sunday 27 |
| Chopped Festival | Carisbrook | Friday 2, Saturday 3 & Sunday 4 December |
| Amyl and the Sniffers plus Andy Golledge, C.O.F.F.I.N, Smoke Witch and many more | ||
| Hometown: Alice Skye | Sawyer Park Sound Shell, Horsham | Saturday 10 December |
| Hometown: Isaiah Firebrace | Girgarre Sound Shell, near Echuca | Sunday 4 December |
| Jessica Mauboy | Pioneer Park, Bright | Saturday 12 November |
| Nick Cave & Warren Ellis | Hanging Rock | Friday 25 & Saturday 26 November |
| Supported by Courtney Barnett | ||
| OK Motels | Charlton | Friday 28 - Sunday 30 October |
| Cash Savage and The Last Drinks, Nice Biscuit, Elizabeth, Vintage Crop, Bad Bangs, Skyscraper Stan, Kino Motel, Smarts, Baby Cool, Enola and more | ||
| QMF x First Plays | Queenscliff Music Festival | Friday 25 - Sunday 27 November |
| Baker Boy, Isabella Manfredi, Middle Kids & RVG | ||
| Tash Sultana (Ocean Sounds) | Churchill Island | Saturday 10 December |
| Tash Sultana with Pierce Brothers, Kim Churchill, Kee’ahn, Little Green and Mark Howard | ||
Metro Show Dates Below:
| Show | Location | Date |
|---|---|---|
| An Exclusive evening with Dua Lipa (UK) | Palais Theatre | Sunday 3 October |
| An Intimate Audience with Sophie Ellis-Bextor (UK) | NGV International Garden Restaurant | Thursday 11 November |
| Big Thief (USA) | Melbourne Recital Centre Friday | 30 November |
| Bad Apples House Party | The Curtin Hotel | Saturday 5 November |
| Briggs, Mo’Ju Chasing Ghosts and more | ||
| Blaktivisim: Yothu Yindi | Arts Centre Melbourne | Saturday 5 November |
| Chapterfest 30 | Northcote Theatre | Saturday 5 November |
| Claptone (GER) | The Masquerade, Riva | Sat 19 November |
| Frente 30 Years of 'Marvin The Album' | Brunswick Ballroom | Thursday 24 November |
| Flow Festival | Footscray Community Arts Centre | Saturday 5 November |
| Jess Cornelius (NZ) | The Night Cat | Saturday 19 November |
| Lovely Day | Palais Foreshore | Sunday 4 December |
| Rockin’ the Burbs | Various | Saturday 22 – Monday 31 October Sunday 4 December, Palace Foreshore |
| Sampa the Great | Hamer Hall | Friday 9 December, Palace Foreshore |
| Toro Y Moi (USA) | Northcote Social Club | Wednesday 23 November |
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