Frontier Touring is bringing a combined Green Day and Simple Plan arena package with five stops in March, Ben Lee for two club shows in December, and Norah Jones in March for four arena stops with a Day On The Green winery set.

Michael Chugg Entertainment has David Byrne for seven theatre shows (February 12 to March 7), two shows for Hatebreed in late January, Willie Nelson for six February festival and arena dates, and teams with Talentworks for 14 arena shows for the 10 finalists of the “Australian Idol” TV series.

Michael Coppel Presents has Joe Satriani for five theatre dates in March and The Thrills for January club dates.

Tours by other promoters include Veruca Salt, Jolie Holland, rapper Sage Francis and DJ/producer Z-Trip with The Lifesavas through December. The Polyphonic Spree, Tortoise, and French hip-hoppers Java are booked for January, and Blondie, Isis, The Delgados, Mudhoney, and Suzi Quatro will visit in February.

Christian acts Petra, David Meece, and Chuck Girard return next March to play the Australian Gospel Music Festival in Toowoomba.

In the rumours department, Travis is looking at being in Australia mid-2005. John Mellencamp and Bette Midler are planning visits in the early part of the year.