Reviews / Live

As what was ostensibly the last Bluesfest wraps up for 2025, it's clear there's still life left in the inimitable event yet.

Saturday brings a huge line up of stellar performances with unforgettable live music moments and fresh hope that it may not be the end of Bluesfest after all.

Chaka Khan is still a belter, and there are no concessions for her age going on here.

The excitement stays at fever pitch as the second day of Bluesfest rolls on in Byron Bay.

Day one of the 36th annual Bluesfest 2025 is a spectacular start to the festival, filled with incredible performances and a vibrant atmosphere, kicking off with a mix of legendary blues artists and exciting new talent.

Far from coasting on nostalgia alone, both Christopher Cross and Toto’s appeal lies not in spectacle but in sophistication and stellar songs.

The biggest revelation of the show was Cyndi Lauper's voice - deeper, more resonant and occasionally operatic.

The night was a lesson in harnessing one’s power, with Lipa’s performance fuelling a confidence that lingered long after the final note. 

Headliner Dermot Kennedy shone in the way he always does, making sure the spotlight didn’t just fall on him but on everyone around him.

The night showcased New Order’s enduring ability to craft propulsive electronic music, and keep audiences singing along.

Never dipping into unimaginative tropes, Groove Armada deliver a thrilling show on the picturesque backdrop of Melbourne's Royal Botanic Gardens.