Sting, Usher, Swans Coming
The newly operational Live Nation Australia, which launched with a U2 tour in December, brings Sting out for nine appearances in Australia and New Zealand with an orchestra. The dates, Jan. 22 to Feb. 12, are a mix of outdoor arenas, wineries and theatres.
Frontier Touring announced Usher’s return with seven arena dates March 15-29. Frontier also confirmed that the reconvened Swans will visit for the first time March 6-12. Sydney jazz improvisers The Necks will open.
Love Police bring Chicago-born troubadour Joe Pug for his first visit, doing six clubs Nov. 10-18 and teaming him with Melbourne singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Chris Altmann.
BDO Adds Sydney Show
Big Day Out added a second Sydney show after the first, for Jan. 26, sold out in minutes.
This was the third time that a second date has been added in any of its six-city Australian and New Zealand stops.
The Gold Coast (Jan. 23) and Melbourne (Jan. 30) dates also sold out quickly.
As per past years, a few thousand tickets will be held for these cities to be sold by random ballot on the festival website.
The first lineup announcement included Tool, Rammstein, Iggy and The Stooges, M.I.A. and Grinderman, who will be playing alongside Australian acts including John Butler Trio, Wolfmother, Bliss n Eso, Angus & Julia Stone, Airbourne and Pnau.