So, If Splendour 2020 Had To Go All-Aussie, Who Would You Wanna See On The Line-up?

17 April 2020 | 3:29 pm | The Music Team

We're bringing out the wish list.

Splendour In The Grass 2020 is set to go ahead this October, but according to the opinion of some of Australia's biggest promoters, international acts heading our way anytime soon is not likely.

We're still hopeful and keeping fingers and toes crossed that between now and October, Australia's borders will open and the likes of The Strokes, Tyler The Creator and King Princess will all be able to perform in Byron Bay. But, what if they can't? 

Industry legend Michael Chugg told us that he predicts "we might see a few festivals coming back over the summer using all-Australian line-ups"... so, what if Splendour has to deliver an all-Australian bill this year? 

It's already got some epic heavyweight and burgeoning names confirmed -  Midnight Oil, Flume, Violent Soho, Tim Minchin, Sampa The Great, DMA'S, Thelma Plum, Alex The Astronaut, G Flip, Baker Boy, Jack River, Odette, Illy, Julia Jacklin - the list goes on. 

With that, we've rounded up a few more established and buzz acts we would love to see on an all-Australian Splendour In The Grass line-up. Who knows? 2020 could be its best year yet.

SILVERCHAIR

What's a festival these days without a reformed heritage act? It's been nearly nine years since the band went into "indefinite hibernation" which in the musical world is an eternity when some bands only seem to split up for about nine minutes before getting back together. They've done their own thing both musically and whatever The Real Housewives Of Melbourne was, so surely they can come back around and be on stage, even if it's for a last hurrah, which they never officially had. Look we don't like our chances when vocalist and guitarist Daniel Johns has previously said he won't do it for a million dollars, so maybe if we chucked a tenner on top to up the amount, would it be enough?


POWDERFINGER

We’re not letting this one go – prior to Splendour’s 2020 line-up announcement, we named Aussie legends Powderfinger on our wishlist. They teased us with a cheeky near-reunion at the 2017 festival AND played the first ever Splendour In The Grass. The stars seem to be aligning, no? It’s been 10 years since they split and 20 years since the release of the Odyssey Number 5. Please?

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TASH SULTANA

Tash Sultana’s live show was made to be unleashed on the festival stage, look no further than her previous Bluesfest and Groovin The Moo sets. Earlier this month, we were treated to new single Pretty Lady, the first taste of her forthcoming second album. So, it’d be safe to assume the album release is likely to line up with Splendour…



RÜFÜS DU SOL

We're gonna be honest - we aren't 100% sure if the Sydney group are currently stuck in the US or are back home in Australia. But if it's the latter, how good would it be to see them back at Splendour?! The last time the trio played the Byron Bay festival was 2014 and since then, they've released two more albums AND picked up two Grammy nominations, thank you very much. Their Live At Joshua Tree album came out last month too... so, you know... gotta hit the tour cycle now, right RÜFÜS DU SOL?


AB ORIGINAL

Couple of things on this:

  1. Briggs told us last year he and Trials were working on releasing a new album in 2020
  2. We really wanna see AB Original live again
  3. HOW GOOD would it be to see the Housefyre collaboration between Briggs and Minchin (which Trials also co-produced) live on stage at Splendour?


Any questions?


SOMETHING FOR KATE

The band recently shared new music and in the normal way of things, this would be followed by a tour to back it up. But right now is not the normal way of things, is it? So we have a band with its first new material in eight years raring to get out there and perform, but with no outlet to do so. They've done odd performances here and there, but this would be a triumphant return, especially in front of a big crowd like at Splendour. Plus they were there at the start for the very first one, so it would be some nice sort of symmetry to see them back there again.


RVG

Two things we love - RVG and Splendour In The Grass. We can’t even imagine the levels of happiness we would feel if the two met after this garbage fire of a year. It’s also perfect timing given that their new album is out just next week too… TheMusic4RVG4eva.


HAYLEY MARY

Did you catch Hayley Mary’s Delivered, Live performance last weekend? The Jezabels vocalist shines in solo mode and it would be amazing to see her take the stage at Splendour with a full band. We named her stunning The Piss, The Perfume EP essential self-isolation listening, so put in on repeat, learn every word and get ready, just in case we’re lucky enough to see Mary join the SITG bill.

Silverchair

Powderfinger

Tash Sultana

RÜFÜS DU SOL

AB Original

Something For Kate

RVG

Hayley Mary