1,000 Live Music Events Kick Off Today: 'A Landmark Moment For Australian Music'

The Australian first Great Southern Nights events officially kick off tonight and will see over 1,000 gigs take place throughout Sydney and New South Wales this November. 

This weekend alone, 200 COVID-safe concerts will go ahead across the state in an attempt to "kick-start the recovery of the live music, hospitality and tourism industries in a COVID-safe environment".

“There has been overwhelming support for Great Southern Nights from artists, venues, industry and fans, so November is shaping up to be a huge celebration of Australian music in every corner of NSW,” Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney, Stuart Ayres, said.

“Half our feature artist gigs have sold out, but there is still plenty of opportunity to see outstanding live music from some of Australia’s most-loved and up-and-coming artists.

“I encourage everyone to check the gig guide and enjoy a COVID-safe night out in Sydney or the regions, to show support for musicians, roadies and businesses across NSW. Let's get this show on the road!”

The month long festival - a NSW Government initiative in partnership with ARIA - will see more than 2,500 artists including Jimmy Barnes, Amy Shark, Tash Sultana, Tones & I, AB Original, Vera Blue, Hoodoo Gurus Ruel, Lime Cordiale, Alex The Astronaut, Missy Higgins and Matt Corby.

“To have so many incredible artists – from the legends to those on the rise – playing in pubs, clubs, theatres and wineries around NSW is a landmark moment for Australian music,” ARIA CEO Dan Rosen said.

“Great Southern Nights will change how we think about live music in a COVID-safe environment, and is an important opportunity for our industry to show our resilience and agility.”

The first show to kick off Great Southern Nights will see Aussie legends Hoodoo Gurus take to the stage at Max Watts in Sydney's Entertainment Quarter.

“We’re the first cab off the rank," frontman Dave Faulkner said today.

"We’re really excited to be able to play a live gig, and play these new songs we’ve been working on."

For more details on Great Southern Nights, click here or check out theGuide.