Each May, the Gold Coast comes alive with the sound of blues, soul, and rhythm—and in 2025, Blues on Broadbeachonce again delivered a weekend to remember. From 15 to 18 May, the beachside precinct pulsed with unforgettable performances, drawing tens of thousands of fans from across Australia and around the world for four days of music, connection, and coastal sunshine.
In what’s fast becoming a hallmark of the festival, this year’s lineup seamlessly blended international stars with a bold and diverse showcase of Australian talent. The result? A dynamic, sun-drenched celebration of the blues in all its forms.
One of the clear highlights was the presence of American blues powerhouse Eric Gales, who brought his signature Memphis sound to Broadbeach in a show that Festival Director Mark Duckworth called “truly special.” Gales himself was clearly enjoying the vibe: “Good weather, good people, good vibes, good food,” he said. “I’ve just been having a wonderful time, and we are going to play until we can’t play no more.”
Equally magnetic was Eli Paperboy Reed, whose soul-drenched performances lit up the stages and gave audiences a taste of authentic American rhythm and blues. Sunpie Barnes & Dom Turner, delivered what Duckworth described as an “unforgettable show,” adding to the global flavour of the event. And bringing a different energy altogether, New Zealand’s Salmonella Dub Soundsystem added a layer of dub-reggae to the lineup, while Pokey LaFarge transported audiences to the heart of New Orleans with his captivating Sunday evening set.
Aussie Icons Bring It Home
While the Blues on Broadbeach international guests brought plenty of star power, the Australian contingent more than held their own. For the first time ever, both The Cruel Sea and DIESEL graced the festival’s stages, while beloved duo Vika & Linda delivered a spectacular Saturday night show at Victoria Park.
Among the rising local stars, Queenie stood out with her bold, fiery performance. Performing for the first time at Blues on Broadbeach, she described the experience as “really special,” saying, “This festival is definitely one of a kind and great for me as an artist to be able to connect with people from all walks of life and all age groups.”
The festival wrapped up with a bang as Jimmy Barnes took the stage at Kurrawa Park for a special one-off performance of his Soul Deep album. Sharing the final night with Pokey LaFarge and The Badloves, Barnes gave the crowd an electrifying end to an already packed weekend.
Over four days, more than 70 acts performed across 17 stages and venues, transforming the Gold Coast into a sprawling live music venue. From the parks and open-air stages to intimate bars and restaurants, the whole precinct hummed with energy. Local businesses were buzzing too, with cafes, bars and eateries packed as music lovers poured through Broadbeach.
Daniel Eagles of Den Divine summed it up perfectly: “I think it’s been the best festival yet. We are a night venue and we are chockers through the day, which is amazing. To have the foot traffic coming through Broadbeach is absolutely incredible, it has never been this busy.”
For those lucky enough to be part of the Twelve Bar Society, this year’s sold-out experience included rare and intimate moments with festival stars. Members attended In Conversation sessions with both Eli Paperboy Reed and DIESEL, and were treated to an exclusive Secret Show by the phenomenal Mason Rack—a coveted experience that’s fast becoming one of the festival’s signature offerings.
While the performances were undoubtedly the heart of the festival, the sense of community remains its soul. “It’s just so special to see people who have been coming to this event for 24 years who catch up with old mates and are part of our festival’s fabric,” said Duckworth. “It’s such a joy to watch year on year.”
Blues on Broadbeach delivers massive boost to Hospitality Sector
With an estimated $24 million injected into the local economy, the festival continues to be a major drawcard for the Gold Coast. It’s not just about music—it’s about what the music brings: connection, tourism, joy, and shared cultural moments.
For artists and fans alike, Blues on Broadbeach has proven once again that it’s more than just a festival. It’s a meeting ground for old friends and new sounds, for soul-shaking music and laid-back beachside energy. Whether it’s your first time or your 24th, there’s something magical about hearing the blues echo off the waves and into the streets of Broadbeach.
