Crowded House Reportedly Withdraw From 2023 AFL Grand Final

According to a new report from the Herald Sun and Geelong Advertiser, Crowded House are no longer performing at the 2023 AFL Grand Final after reportedly being a popular choice for pre-match entertainment a few months ago.

The report reads, “Crowded House was rumoured to have been locked in for the performance months ago and was confirmed to have bailed on the coveted slot on Monday [7 August].”

While the official pre-match entertainment was supposed to be announced in September, the AFL would have been working diligently behind the scenes to book an act as beloved as Crowded House for months.

AFL spokesperson Jay Allen added, “The pre-match entertainment for the 2023 AFL Grand Final will be announced in September.”

Herard Sun has also reported on rumours that KISS could potentially step up and rock the halftime show.

It would make sense, with the US legends set to perform their final ever Aussie show in Sydney on October 7, just one week after the AFL Grand Final.

An insider told the publication that KISS was being strongly considered for the slot, and if they were to sign on their performance would be on the ground with a full fire and white pyro production, which would be visible during the day when the halftime show is scheduled for.

The Music has reached out to Mushroom House for comment.

Last year, the AFL locked in Robbie Williams to perform at the Grand Final. Performing his hits Feel, Kids (with Delta Goodrem), and Angels, the British music superstar paid tribute to John Farnham and Shane Warne with a stirring rendition of You’re The Voice.

“I am so excited to be performing for you on the hallowed turf of the MCG,” Williams said in a video message when the pre-match entertainment announcement was revealed.

Williams also stated that he would be joined by a “cast of local Australian talent”, handpicking some local musos to play in his band during the performance.

AFL Chief Executive Gillon McLachlan, referencing the 2021 WA-based AFL Grand Final, said: “We are back at the MCG, back in front of 100,000 fans and no better performer than Robbie Williams to help amplify the atmosphere ahead of the biggest sporting event in the country.”

In late 2022, Crowded House were touring in support of their latest album, Dreamers Are Waiting, which claimed Best Adult Contemporary Album at the ARIAs.

The release is their first studio album in over a decade, following on from 2010's Intriguer, and debuted at #2 on the ARIA Albums Chart last June.

In October 2022, they headlined the inaugural Harvest Rock Festival in Adelaide alongside Jack White.