That’s a wrap on the ‘final’ 36th Byron Bay BLUESFEST 2025.
Wait. What? It’s coming back next year and tickets are on sale already!
Over four perfect Byron blue sky days, Bluesfest 2025 was filled with incredible live music, big crowds and good vibes. An eclectic mix of artists this year meant there was truly a gig happening for all tastes each day on the massive tent stages and a surprise guest or two.
Headline highlights had to include Queen of Funk Chaka Khan with a smoking band (Jay Williams: epic on drums) and 3 singing legends on harmonies or sing-a-long with Crowded House where the audience knew every lyric as well as the band. Aussie favourites performing in tents packed to the rafters saw an emotional & bare foot Xavier Rudd return playing a multitude of instruments, Vance Joy with a sit-in from Kasey Chambers, young guitar prodigy Taj Farrant slaying Purple Rain and power vocals from Miss Kaninna.
Exuding energy, Grammy nominee Cimafunk fused Afro Cuban funk, soul and hip hop to get the crowd moving and sent security whirling inviting the mosh pit up on to the stage to dance. Singer guitarist Gary Clark Jnr’s brooding blues simmered with a tight set and hot band. In the mud squelching Jambalaya Tent, Lachy Doley celebrated a birthday with blinding solos on B3 and clavinet and Eric Stang, hailing from Chicago, channelled Jerry Lee Lewis with snappy horns and dancing girls.
Camping on site provided a quiet spot to chat with neighbours travelling from all over Oz and still with easy access to a range of food trucks and bars. Saturday’s numbers swelled to capacity so navigating between congested tents to hear the soulful Allison Russell, watch the antics of the Melbourne Ska Orchestra or dance to the infectious California Honeydrops required F1 driving skills. Massive work behind the stages ensured seamless changeovers, vibrant sound and lights and Festival goers were assisted by an army of happy vollies.
A unique opportunity to see musicians new and loved playing live, Bluesfest 2025 made it happen. Marc Broussard from Louisiana adored having Clayton Doley on keys, The Clarence Bekker Band radiated enthusiasm, Fingal Bay singer Birren nailed the Busking Competition and it is so hard to resist the craziness of Ra Ra Ra from Here Come The Mummies.
Bring on the 37th BLUESFEST.
