Bluesfest Byron Bay has released its second lineup for 2015 and, dare we say, it rivals if not outdoes the music festival’s first artist announcement. Ben Harper, a festival favourite, will once again return to Bluesfest only this time he’s bringing his old band The Innocent Criminals.
After a 7-year break Harper has reunited The Innocent Criminals, who together were responsible for classic Harper albums like 1999s Burn to Shine and the celebrated 2001 live record Live from Mars.
The upcoming Bluefest appearance will be the only Australian show from Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals in 2015. Festival Director Peter Noble said he is honoured that Harper and Co. have decided to make their return to Australia at Bluesfest.
“You join Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals with Bluesfest and it’s a very special bond,” stated Noble. “It was way back in 1996 when the Festival broke the news that this band was important and in return, their huge success showed us (Bluesfest) the way forward to booking the style of event the festival is famous for.”
Other big names added to Bluesfest 2015 include Scottish soul rock powerhouse Paolo Nutini, the returning UK indie songster David Gray, who last played Bluesfest in 2006, alternative folk Brit Award-winner Ben Howard, and American blues magician Gary Clark Jr.
These quality acts, and more, will join already announced headliners The Black Keys, Zac Brown Band, Alabama Shakes, and Train.
Byron Bay Bluesfest 2015 will take place on Easter long weekend from Thursday, 2nd April to Monday, 6th April. Tickets for Byron Bay Bluesfest 2015 are on sale now and available via the official Bluesfest website and official ticketing outlets.
Byron Bay Bluesfest 2015 – Second Announcement
Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals
Paolo Nutini
David Gray
Ben Howard
Counting Crows
Gary Clark Jr.
Angélique Kidjo
Jimmy Cliff
Mavis Staples
Dispatch
Ruthie Foster
Teh Beat
Keziah Jones
Sheppard
Playing For Change
+ more to be announced!
Byron Bay Bluesfest 2015 – First Announcement
The Black Keys
Zac Brown Band
Alabama Shakes
Train
Michael Franti & Spearhead
George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic
Paul Kelly Presents The Merri Soul Sessions feat Dan Sultan, Kira Puru, & Vika And Linda Bull
Xavier Rudd and The United Nations
Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue
Rebelution
Soja
The Chris Robinson Brotherhood
Beth Hart
Frank Turner and The Sleeping Souls
Mariachi El Bronx
G. Love & Special Sauce
Pokey Lafarge
Band Of Skulls
Rockwiz Live
Thursday, 2nd April – Monday, 6th April 2015
Tyagarah Tea Tree Farm, Byron Bay NSW
Tickets: Byron Bay Bluesfest | Moshtix | Ticketmaster
