Legendary rockers reunite for star-studded Bluesfest 2026 lineup

Bluesfest has unveiled its first wave of artists for 2026, with Split Enz reuniting for their first performance in more than 20 years.

Original band members Tim Finn and Neil Finn — who later formed the supergroup Crowded House — will join Noel Crombie, Eddie Rayner, Matt Eccles and James Milne on stage at Byron Bay Events Farm over the Easter long weekend.

Grammy-winning US band Earth, Wind & Fire will also make the trip Down Under, performing hits such as September, Let’s Groove and Boogie Wonderland. Californian ska-punk band Sublime will deliver a set ranging from their iconic single What I Got to the more recent Ensenada.

Grammy-winning group The Black Crowes, known for fan favourites like Remedy, She Talks to Angels and Hard to Handle, are also on the bill, alongside American rockers Counting Crows and legendary bluesman Buddy Guy.

“Who would have thought we’d see Buddy Guy return after what was billed as his farewell tour just a few years back?” festival director Peter Noble OAM said. “When the opportunity came to present him again — well, I took it.”

Other acts announced include Mental as Anything, Xavier Rudd, The Living End, Roshani, Chain, The Pogues, Marcus King Band, Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band, Taj Farrant, Nik West, Angelique Francis, John Webb, Laid Back Country Picker, The Dreggs, The Southern River Band, Pierce Brothers, Aine Tyrrell, Backsliders, Steve Poltz, Daniel Champagne, Ray Beadle, Ben Catley, Mark Seymour, Z-Star and Robert Randolph.

Talking Heads’ Jerry Harrison — a Rock & Roll Hall of Famer — will also team up with King Crimson’s Adrian Belew to perform the much-loved Talking Heads album Remain in Light with an 11-piece band.

After some logistical challenges in 2025 — including complaints on social media about accessways clogged with camp chairs, long waits to exit the car park and insufficient public transport — Noble said the festival is introducing several improvements for 2026.

“Our main stage will have a bigger venue footprint, new seating zones, and undercover areas for campers and deck chairs — both indoor and outdoor,” he said. “Plus, we’re adding more buses to more areas, responding directly to what our audience has asked for.”

More artists are expected to be announced in the coming months.