So, the holidays are over and it's back to the grind. But live music is always something to look forward to – luckily there's plenty of it happening now and in the coming months. We’ve trawled the gig guides to come up with a list of tours and shows we think you guys will like because this action-packed year really does have something for everyone!
Oh, and there are also plenty of bushfire benefit shows happening, big and small. Keep an eye out for what's happening in your area to show support.
Cold Chisel | Blood Moon Tour 2020 (Jan 24 - Feb 9)
There are a handful of really big tours happening right now, and Chisel is one of them. With Paul Kelly and other major Australian names appearing on different shows, Chisel's Blood Moon tour is their first all outdoors summer tour. It kicked off New Year's Eve and continues into February. Check out the details HERE.
Elton John | Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour (Feb 22 - March 7)
It doesn't get much bigger than this. Elton's massive tour kicked off in the US in September 2018. It started here in Perth at the end of November and continues through to March. His final show on Australian soil is March 7 at the Western Sydney Stadium. Elton's message to his fans? "Performing live fuels me and I'm ecstatic and humbled to continue to play to audiences across the globe. I plan to bring the passion and creativity that has entertained my fans for decades to my final tour." Details HERE.
Billy Idol | Idol Live! (Jan 29 - Feb 1)
With the promised Generation X and Sex Pistols teaming under the name Generation Sex seemingly coming to nothing more than one show, Billy's out dancing with himself again. Of course, he's got his band with him, which includes long-time gun guitarist Steve Stevens. And he's playing at the tennis! Details HERE.
Fire Aid 2020 (Jan 24)
Funds raised by FireAid2020 will go to local support relief agencies and be distributed to the Southern Highlands, reaching the newly homeless, heroic RFS firefighters and all those most in need. Artists on the bill include Daryl Braithwaite, John Paul Young, Leo Sayer, Meghan Washington and many more. Details HERE.
Pennywise | Never Gona Die (Feb 6- 16)
One of the leading lights of the Epitaph '90s punk sound, Pennywise remain hugely popular in Australia and are back to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their fifth album, Straight Ahead. They'll perform the album in its entirety, plus more, and they'll be accompanied by Strung Out and No Fun At All, making for a massive punk triple bill! Details HERE.
Michael Bublé (Feb 4 - 27)
There's more to Bublé than a Christmas record! He’ll return to our shores for his first full tour since taking time off in 2016 when his then three-year-old son was diagnosed with cancer. Noah's cancer is in remission now so come and help Michael and his 36-piece orchestra celebrate. Details HERE.
The Stranglers (Feb 5 - 11)
Stranglers fans are spoiled. Each year we either get the band, featuring original bass player Jean-Jacques Burnel and keyboardist Dave Greenfield (a good thing, seeing as how the band's sound is so bass and keyboard-heavy), or original singer/guitarist Hugh Cornwell. This year it's the band, and they're here next month. Details HERE.
Sunnyboys (Feb 7 - 23)
Jeremy and the boys have been in fine form and playing to huge crowds since they first returned in 2012. They're out again in Feb for their 40th-anniversary tour, with either Painters & Dockers and Rocket Science in support, depending on which town. The band recently released new music too! Details HERE.
Alice Cooper (Feb 8 - 18)
Alice always puts on a great show, and his 2017 album Paranormal was his best in years, especially the tracks featuring the original Alice Cooper band members. He's here in Feb, and I'm hoping he'll be playing the mighty "You and All Your Friends", which is as great as anything he's ever done! Details HERE.
Nick Lowe's Quality Rock'n'Roll Outfit (Feb 16 - 23)
Last time Nick was here was 7 years ago. This time he's bringing his current band, aka Los Straitjackets, the Mexican wrestling mask-wearing outfit from Nashville. Nick's catalogue goes way deeper than just "Cruel to Be Kind" and "(What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace Love & Understanding" – these will be fun shows. Details HERE.
Rock Relief | Bushfire Fundraiser (Feb 15)
The NSW Northern Beaches Council will be hosting 'Rock Relief' at Brookvale Oval in Sydney on February 15th. Some of the best in Aussie music – including Hoodoo Gurus, The Superjesus, Choirboys and more – will come together to raise funds for Red Cross Disaster Relief and Recovery Fund. The Rural Fire Service will also be collecting donations on the day. Details HERE.
Fire Fight Australia | Hosted By Celeste Barber (Feb 16)
On Sunday, February 16th ANZ Stadium will host a for a momentous bushfire relief concert. Headlined by Queen and Adam Lambert, Alice Cooper, k.d. Lang and Olivia Newton-John … the monolithic event will span seven hours, with all profits going to “Rescue”, “Relief and Recovery” and “Rehabilitation” for Rural and regional fire services, Red Cross Disaster Relief and Recovery, and RSPCA Bushfire Appeal. Details HERE.
For a more comprehensive list of regional bushfire relief gigs, check out this list that covers all Australian states over ABC.net.au
Whitesnake & Scorpions (Feb 19 - 24)
A massive double bill of '80s metal! Whitesnake, of course, are fronted by former Deep Purple singer David Coverdale. Founder Rudolf Schenker still leads Germany's Scorpions, and it' worth noting that long-time Motörhead drummer Mickey Dee is now a Scorpion also! Details HERE.
Queen & Adam Lambert | The Rhapsody Tour (Feb 13 - 29)
No, it's never going to be the same without Freddie, but Adam Lambert can hit the notes and keeps it camp – Freddie would approve. Oh, and it looks like Freddie's there in "Bohemian Rhapsody" at least – check out this clip from September. Details HERE.
a-ha with very special guest Rick Astley (Feb 23 - March 7)
The Norwegian '80s pop icons return to Australia for the first time since 1986, with special guest, direct from the same decade, Mr Rick Astley. Details HERE.
Stiff Little Fingers (Feb 15 - 22)
Belfast punks, SLF released their blistering first single "Suspect Device" in '78, and it was the first of numerous anthems. They're still going strong with Jake Burns up front, and this time around they're celebrating 40 Years (and a bit) of their classic debut album Inflammatory Material. Details HERE.
Tony Hadley (ex-Spandau Ballet) (Feb 25 - March 2)
Spandau Ballet's former frontman returns with his band The Fabulous TH band for the first time in 5 years in late Feb. He still looks a million bucks and yes, he still does all those Spandau hits you want to hear! Details HERE.
Patty Griffin (March 1 - 13)
One of America's most acclaimed singer-songwriters – just ask Kasey Chambers or Missy Higgins how great Patty is – returns in March for the first time in 12 years to play Port Fairy Folk Festival and sideshows. Details HERE.
We'll cover Bluesfest (April 9-13) separately, but something else happening in April is...
Under The Southern Stars (April 3 - 18)
Live, Bush & The Stone Temple Pilots, '90s rock icons one and all, with locals Rose Tattoo and Electric Mary. "A union of rock with a carnival atmosphere." Details HERE.
Iron Maiden (May 1- May 11)
One of the great heavy metal bands brings their Legacy Of The Beast Tour to Australian stadiums in May! Horns up! Details HERE.
And then in October & November...
Rod Stewart | You're In My Heart (Oct 25 - Nov 7)
Sir Rod and band will be giving the wineries a good going over as it starts warming up again. The announcement coincided with the release of You're in My Heart: Rod Stewart with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra; Rod won't be bringing the Orchestra, but he will be bringing all those marvellous songs. No sign that this is a farewell tour but if his old mucker Elton is hanging up his boots that time will come soon enough. See the man while you can. Details HERE.
Listen to You're in My Heart: Rod Stewart with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra on Spotify:
Listen to You're in My Heart: Rod Stewart with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra on Apple Music:
