Music lovers, get ready to soak up the soulful rhythm and blues on the Gold Coast as Blues on Broadbeach returns from 15–18 May 2025. The much-loved festival has announced its impressive first lineup, blending iconic artists with fresh talent for four unforgettable days of music, sunshine, and good vibes in the heart of Broadbeach.
As one of Australia’s largest free music festivals, Blues on Broadbeach is renowned for transforming the beachfront precinct into a vibrant celebration of live music. In 2025, fans can look forward to a stellar mix of local and international performers, promising a feast for the ears and soul.
First Lineup Highlights
The first wave of artists includes a dynamic blend of legendary acts and emerging stars:
- 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!
The excitement among the lineup is palpable. Headliner Eli Paperboy Reed shared, “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 also expressed her enthusiasm, saying, “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 added, “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.”
One of the most anticipated acts of the festival is The Cruel Sea, an iconic Australian alternative band whose gritty blues, swamp rock, and hypnotic grooves have captivated fans since the late ‘80s. Known for their ARIA-winning tracks and albums like The Honeymoon’s Over, they’ll also be treating fans to live performances of new music from their upcoming album Straight Into The Sun, set to release in March 2025.
Soul sensation Eli Paperboy Reed will return to Australia, bringing his powerful, heartfelt sound and fiery live performances. With nine critically acclaimed albums under his belt, Reed is one of today’s most compelling soul artists. He’ll also be joined on stage by the Grammy-nominated Harlem Gospel Travelers, a New York-based trio whose gospel-infused soul and funk promise to bring a fresh energy to Broadbeach.
Australian blues-rock legend Diesel will add to the festival’s power-packed lineup, delivering his signature guitar riffs and soulful vocals. Diesel’s award-winning career, which includes ARIA hits like Hepfidelity and The Lobbyist, makes him a perennial favourite among blues fans. Meanwhile, Bondi Cigars—with over three decades of blending blues, soul, funk, and R&B—are set to bring their infectious energy back to the festival.
Blues on Broadbeach is also committed to showcasing the next generation of blues talent. Fans will be introduced to rising stars like Steph Strings, whose vibrant fingerstyle guitar is enriched with Celtic, folk, and blues influences. Adelaide’s Stefan Hauk will captivate audiences with his blues-rock grooves, while Melbourne’s bold and charismatic Queenie brings her soulful flair to the stage.
Festival Director Mark Duckworth added, “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 the recently Grammy-nominated Harlem Gospel Travelers here on the Gold Coast, and know they’ll bring something special to the Blues on Broadbeach stages.”
Blues on Broadbeach, 15 – 18 May 2025
While Blues on Broadbeach remains a free festival, an exclusive pre-sale for Twelve Bar Society members will open at 9am AEST on Monday, 9 December, through Oztix. Tickets for the general public will be available from 9am AEST on Tuesday, 10 December via Oztix.
Make sure to mark your calendars and get ready for a celebration of music unlike any other. Blues on Broadbeach 2025 is shaping up to be the highlight of next year’s music calendar.
