Ross Wilson, King Stingray, Dragon, Billy Field and Chocolate Starfish join Ian Moss, Frenzal Romb and The Superjesus as headliners of the eleventh annual Airlie Beach Festival of Music.
An eclectic line-up of live music acts will deliver something for everyone at the 2023 Airlie Beach Festival of Music in The Whitsundays, from 9-12 November.
The free-flowing festival, held across world-famous Airlie Beach with a main stage on the water’s edge, is one of Queensland’s premier live music events and – especially on account of the stunning location – is simply like no other music festival in Australia.
The full line-up of the 2023 Festival stars more than 50 bands across 15 venues and includes music industry legends playing alongside the country’s brightest emerging talent over the four-day event.
Australian music icon, Ian Moss will be returning after playing at the first Airlie Beach Festival of Music in 2013.
“I’m extremely excited to be playing it in 2023 along with my incredible band. The Whitsundays region and the North QLD Tropics is such a beautiful part of our country so if you can, grab a friend, get your tickets, and get along to see some great acts and music. We can’t wait,’ said Mr Moss.
Ross Wilson may be the only person in Aussie Rock who still isn’t on a comeback tour because he has never been away. From Daddy Cool to Mondo Rock and as a solo artist with no less than 26 ARIA Top 40 hits to his credit, Ross Wilson & The Peaceniks will bring a blistering live set jam packed with classic hits celebrating 50 years of Eagle Rock.
Purveyors of Antipodean anthems and Australian Rock since 1973, legendary band Dragon will have the crowd singing along to the soundtrack of a generation with hits including ‘April Sun in Cuba’, ‘Are You Old Enough’, ‘Still In Love With You’ and ‘Rain’
Also performing under the Big Tent in 2023 will be contemporary acts from all over the country including King Stingray, Pierce Brothers, Lucy Gallant and 2022 Passport to Airlie winners Perry Street Park.
King Stingray’s do-it-yourself ethos and connection to home and family resonates through every song and live show. Hailing from the Northern Territory and Queensland, the tight-knit crew of Yolŋu (Aboriginal people of northeast Arnhem Land) and balanda (non-Indigenous) have been ripping Australian stages and airwaves apart since 2020.
The ‘90’s are also well represented by Sydney punk band Frenzal Romb, Skunkhour, Chocolate Starfish and reformed rockers The Superjesus lead by festival ambassador, Sarah McLeod.
Lindsay McDougall, Frenzal Rhomb guitarist, said the band dreamed of The Whitsundays when they were young.
“From Hamilton to Hayman, from Daydream to some other ones I can’t think of right now, and now we get to play there! More importantly, we’re gonna be near Ian Moss! And The Superjesus, Pierce Brothers and more. And Ian Moss! Can we borrow someone’s trimaran?” Mr McDougall added.
Never letting a genre define them, Skunkhour fuses elements of indie rock, soul-funk, hip-hop and new wave to create a sound like no other and come to Airlie armed with fresh EP ‘Parts of Sun’.
Powering onto the scene in the early 1990s, and now touted as one of the most dynamic bands in the land, Chocolate Starfish continues to deliver captivating shows imbued with intensity and revelry and a few surprises on the side.
Billy Field has had nearly as many comebacks as Dame Nellie Melba, and the hugely talented singer-songwriter is known for his distinctive vocal style and award-winning catalogue. With three ARIAs to his accolades, Field has been a household name since bursting onto the Australian music scene with ‘Bad Habits’ in 1981.
Tourism Whitsundays Chief Executive Officer, Rick Hamilton is looking forward to another big year of the Airlie Beach Festival of Music.
“Gavin, the festival founder, and his team have put together the perfect festival that incorporates the whole town seamlessly. From free buses running to and from accommodation houses to having bands in 15 venues and fully-equipped seating so there’s no need for attendees to even take camping chairs, it’s a music festival unique to Airlie Beach.
“As a tourism-driver, the Airlie Beach Festival of Music has transformed the first weekend of November into the most sought-after weekend outside of school holidays. If you want to experience The Whitsundays and some great music acts, I encourage you to book your tickets and accommodation soon,” said Mr Hamilton.
From 5-star resorts to budget-friendly backpackers and camping at beautiful caravan parks, Airlie Beach has an accommodation option for everyone. Bookings during the four-day event do fill quickly, so holidaymakers are strongly advised to book early.
