Coronavirus outbreak: Which Australian festivals and concerts have been affected?

The global novel coronavirus outbreak is currently dealing huge blows to the live music industry worldwide. Slews of tours, concerts and festivals have been cancelled or postponed so as to cut the risk of COVID-19 transmission.

Just two of the biggest global music events that have been hit so far are Austin, Texas festival and conference SXSW, whose cancellation left hundreds of musicians – several Australians included – in the lurch, and Coachella, which has been pushed back to October.

In Australia, a ban on public gatherings of more than 500 people went into effect on Monday, March 16. Two days later, Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced a ban on indoor public gatherings of more than 100 people. The cap for outdoor gatherings remains 500.

Find the list of affected festivals and concerts in Australia below, updated as more news comes in.

Inverted Festival

The organisers of Gold Coast music and sports festival Inverted have announced its cancellation due to Queensland’s recent coronavirus outbreak.

The festival’s inaugural event, announced back in December, was set to take place early next month at Metricon Stadium with a lineup that featured the likes of The Chats, Skegss and WAAX.

In a statement on their website, organisers said the decision to cancel was “based on concerns surrounding COVID-19 cases in Brisbane and the new Health Orders impacting people throughout Queensland, as well as those in the Northern Rivers area of New South Wales”.

Full refunds will be provided to all ticketholders, processed automatically through Ticketek.

David Gray

David Gray has officially rescheduled his White Ladder tour to November 2022. Gray’s string of show dates had initially been set for November/December 2020, before he moved them to November 2021. However, in light of the global pandemic, the singer-songwriter has said that the “only sensible option” is to delay the tour until 2022.

“It is hugely disappointing to have to do so, but the keyword to keep in mind here is interconnectedness,” Gray said in a statement.

“It’s not enough that some of the dates might be able to happen this year, all of the dates need to happen in order that the tour as a whole makes sense”.

All previously issued tickets will be available for the new dates, which are listed here.

Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever

Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever have postponed their Sideways To New Italy tour, which was originally scheduled for April-May 2021. The eight-date national tour will now take place in November 2021.

The band released a statement regarding the changes, saying: “with great reluctance we are postponing our April/May album launch shows to November. Restrictions are easing, but still not enough for us to do a national tour in a way that is viable just yet. We understand this is frustrating, for us most of all.”

Original ticket purchases remain valid for the new shows, however, punters are encouraged to reach out to their ticket service provider if they are unable to make the rescheduled dates.

Marcus King Band

On March 9, Marcus King Band officially rescheduled their 2021 Australian shows for next year. The band had been slated to perform as part of the 2020 Byron Bay Bluesfest lineup, before the COVID-19 pandemic forced organisers to cancel the event.

As an international act, Marcus King Band will not feature on Bluesfest’s all-Australian 2021 lineup, but will still perform their previously scheduled sideshows in April 2022. The band are locked in to play Sydney’s Metro Theatre on April 18 next year, before heading to the Croxton Bandroom in Melbourne on April 20.

“AUSTRALIA, excited to confirm that we WILL be seeing yall next year,” the band wrote on Instagram.

“Our 2021 dates have been officially rescheduled to 2022, with previously purchased tickets automatically transferred to the new shows!”

Backstreet Boys

Backstreet Boys’ Australian leg of their DNA World Tour has once again been postponed and is now scheduled for March 2022.

It marks the second time in a year that the tour has been pushed back; the boy band originally intended to tour in May of last year, but the coronavirus pandemic prompted them to postpone their dates until May 2021.

Today (March 3), the band announced that they have once again altered their schedule.

“We can’t wait to visit you all Down Under. We were hoping to have better news, however, it doesn’t seem it is going to be possible for us to go back out on the road just yet,” the group said in a statement.

“The Backstreet Boys will be back in Australia and New Zealand in 2022. Those of you who already have tickets, please hang on to those tickets as they will be valid for the new dates. We can’t wait to get back to doing what we love and that’s performing for you.”

Sydney Film Festival

Sydney Film Festival is pushing back its 2021 instalment from June 9-20 to August 18-29.

“The shift will allow the festival to continue to include films from major international festivals (in addition to Australia’s best new feature films and documentaries) in a year of date fluctuations around the world due to COVID-19,” a statement read.

Screenings for the 2021 Sydney Film Festival will continue to be presented at cinemas across the city.

Creed Bratton

American polymath Creed Bratton has been forced to postpone his Australian tour for a third time.

The musician and star of The Office (US) had been scheduled to tour Australia for the first time this March but has pushed those dates back to October due to the coronavirus pandemic. Bratton previously rescheduled the tour from February 2020 to June 2020, before pushing it back to March of this year.

“Since I first came up with the idea for this variety tour a few years ago, I’ve always wanted to head Down Under and perform it for Australian audiences,” Bratton said in a statement.

“I couldn’t be happier that I’m finally making my way there”.

All preexisting tickets will be valid for Bratton’s new dates, which are viewable here.

SNACK Weekender

Perth’s SNACK Weekender has altered its calendar in response to Western Australia’s recent COVID-19 outbreak.

The festival had been set to take place on February 26 and 27 at the city’s Optus Stadium. However, the event has been moved to Metro City in compliance with coronavirus-imposed restrictions.

In addition, Tame Impala Sound System‘s show on February 26 will now take place on March 5. Lime Cordiale will still perform on February 27 as planned.

Lime Cordiale and Tame Impala Sound System will each perform an extra show as part of the festival, on February 28 and March 6, respectively.

Patrons unable to attend the new shows have until February 12 to request a refund.

Perth Festival/Fringe World

Select events from the programs of Western Australia’s Perth Festival and Fringe World have been postponed as the state enters a five-day lockdown. Both festivals released statements on January 31, hours after the state reported its first instance of community COVID-19 transmission in months.

“Perth Festival follows advice and direction from the WA Government and as a result of today’s announcement we will postpone all shows and performances scheduled until Saturday 6 February,” a representative for Perth Festival wrote.

The state will enter lockdown until February 5, the day that Perth Festival had been due to kick off.

Tim Minchin, who was set to perform as the opening act of the festival, wrote on social media that “the chances that 5K people will be allowed to gather this weekend are somewhere between Buckley’s & none”.

Elsewhere, Fringe World wrote that it hopes “to welcome audiences back to Fringe World from 7pm on Friday 5 February” when the lockdown lifts. The festival has been running since January 15 and will come to a close on February 14.

“Fringe World events and venues will be closed during (the lockdown),” a representative wrote.

Ticketholders should contact their booking agencies to request refunds.

Holy Holy

On January 15, Holy Holy announced that they would postpone the Sydney leg of their forthcoming tour, citing coronavirus-imposed border restrictions.

“With a heavy heart, we have rescheduled our Syd shows due to border restrictions,” the band wrote on Twitter.

The shows had been scheduled for January 22 and 23, but will now take place on March 19 and 20. All existing tickets are valid for the new dates. Ticketholders unable to make the rescheduled shows have until 29 January to request a refund.

Airwaves Festival

Sunshine Coast drive-in festival Airwaves announced on January 11 that its event will be rescheduled to March 27-28 in light of Queensland border restrictions.

The event was initially scheduled for January 23-24, with a lineup of Sneaky Sound System, Bootleg Rascal, Ash Grunwald and Jaguar Jonze, among others. Festival management has asked punters to hold on to their tickets for the new date.

“As promoters, we feel a natural responsibility to continue to support our industry, fans and partners and we refuse to be defeated by Covid,” event director Cindy Jensen said in a statement.

The Chats

On January 6, The Chats postponed the New South Wales leg of their ‘AC/DC CD’ single launch tour due to the recent surge in cases throughout the state. While new dates have not been announced, the band have said the shows will be rescheduled and have asked fans to hold on to their tickets. Shows in other states have not been affected.

“We have been watching things unfold with great anticipation and believe with border closures and the nature of our shows it would be irresponsible for these shows to go ahead,” The Chats said on Instagram.

Scene & Heard

Organisers behind Newcastle festival Scene & Heard took to social media yesterday (December 29) to announce they are postponing the 2021 event from February 21 to November 7.

“…we’re sorry to announce today that we must sadly confirm the need to reschedule the NSW event planned for February,” they wrote.

“Due to State Government and current standing Federal Government Public Health Orders regarding COVID-19, multi-stage mass music gathering events are not permissible in ‘true’ festival format just yet.”

All bands on the original lineup including Killing Heidi, Frenzal Rhomb and Grinspoon have been locked in for the new dates, with organisers urging punters to hold onto their tickets.

There are also refunds available here for those who can’t attend the rescheduled date.

The festival announced its 2021 return in November, after the 2020 event was cancelled due to COVID-19.

This That

In a post on Tuesday, December 29, organisers behind This That festival revealed they’ll be rescheduling their Queensland and New South Wales’ dates to later in 2021 due to current Public Health orders.

“Due to State Government and current standing Federal Government Public Health Orders regarding COVID-19, multi-stage mass music gathering events are not permissible in ‘true’ festival format just yet,” the post reads.

“We’re sorry for the inconvenience this causes everyone involved.”

The Sandstone Point leg of the event has been moved to Saturday, 30 October, while the Newcastle leg has been moved to Saturday, 6 November.

The original lineup included Mallrat, Client Liaison, The Chats, San Cisco and more, and those behind the festival are currently working to lock all original acts in for the new dates.

Refunds are available for those who can’t make the new dates, but event organisers have encouraged ticketholders to hold on in an effort to support local music.

Ocean Alley

In a post on December 23, Ocean Alley announced their performance for Adelaide concert series Summer Sounds has been postponed due to the COVID-19 outbreak in New South Wales.

The show was originally scheduled for January 7, but will now take place on January 27. Ruby Fields will still be supporting.

Purchased tickets will be valid for the new show date.

Under The Southern Stars

On December 17, organisers of Under The Southern Stars announced plans to reschedule the concert tour.

The festival, which is set to feature Stone Temple Pilots, Bush, Rose Tattoo and more, will now take place in April and May of next year rather than February and March. Organisers cited the coronavirus pandemic as the reason for the postponement.

Under The Southern Stars will confirm specific dates in January, with all tickets purchased valid for the new shows.

“Unfortunately, 2020 has been anything but stable and while the organisers have done everything possible to ensure that the shows in February go ahead, there have been a myriad of ongoing developments and changes that have forced a further rescheduling until late April and into May 2021,” the festival said in a statement.

Faith No More

On December 16, Faith No More‘s publicity team announced that the band’s February 2021 AU/NZ tour had been postponed.

The San Francisco rockers will now visit Australia and New Zealand in February 2022, citing the COVID-19 pandemic as the reason for the date change. The band had previously rescheduled the tour in April as a result of the pandemic.

“Once again in this world of things being temporarily out of our control, we are having to postpone our AU/NZ dates,” the band said in a press statement.

“Postponed and not cancelled being the silver lining here and we’re grateful for that. We intend on making it up to you only at a time when things are safe for ALL of us.

“Until then, thanks for sticking this out with us and take care. We’re all in this together and when it happens we promise to make it special.”

View the full list of new dates here.

UNIFY Gathering 2021

In a statement posted to the event’s Facebook page on December 9, UNIFY Gathering organisers announced the annual celebration of punk and hardcore would not go ahead in January 2021 as hoped.

“Without enough assurances that the event can go ahead in a safe and financially viable way, we don’t want to take any risks,” the statement read.

In place of the live event, a hard rock radio show in partnership with The Faction will take place between January 15-17, 2021, featuring UNIFY Gathering interviews and live performances, past and present.

UNIFY Gathering is expected to return to a live format in January 2022 with the as-yet-unannounced all-Australian lineup originally intended for next year’s event.

KOTA The Friend

KOTA The Friend has been forced to reschedule the Australia/New Zealand stretch of his FOTO Tour for a third time, making the announcement on November 26.

Now set to take place beginning November 2021, the Brooklyn MC said in a press statement, “It’s been a long time coming but ensuring everyone’s safety and wellbeing will always be my priority.”

KOTA had been forced to reschedule his tour back in February due to “urgent personal matters”, before rescheduling once again in March due to the COVID outbreak.

Bon Iver

On November 25, Bon Iver took to Twitter to announce the cancellation of their postponed 2021 Australian and New Zealand tour.

In a statement from the band provided by Ticketek, they said, “As the 2020 Holiday season approaches, we have made the difficult decision to cancel our 2021 Australian and New Zealand tour dates. We believe that this is the best preventative action we can take against the continued spread of COVID-19 and may be able to help anyone struggling during this continued global event.

“We look forward to safer days ahead when we can play for you and with our friends Stella Donnelly and Gordi.”

As the holiday season approaches, we have made the difficult decision to cancel our postponed 2020 US & 2021 Australian and New Zealand tour dates. We look forward to safer days ahead when we can play for you. pic.twitter.com/iMExu9sEQY

— Bon Iver (@boniver) November 25, 2020

CMC Rocks QLD

Organisers of country music festival CMC Rocks QLD have announced the event will not be proceeding in March 2021. The event will return in 2022, at a time when international artists are permitted to enter the country to perform.

“Until we can put on a festival that lives up to the expectations of our fans, we’re going to postpone. We won’t put on a second-rate event,” festival director Michael Chugg said in a statement.

Dates for the 2022 event have yet to be announced. All purchased tickets will be valid for the 2022 event with refunds also available.

Big Thief

US indie band Big Thief have cancelled their 2021 Australian tour.

The tour had already been postponed from May this year to March 2021. Now, touring agency Love Police has confirmed the eight-stop tour will not go ahead.

“The shows will not be rescheduled and refunds will be made available to ticket buyers from the relevant venue or agency. Let’s hold on to hope for us all to get through this safely, and rejoice when international live music can return to our shores,” Love Police said in a statement.

Zoo Twilights

The Zoo Twilights concert series has been cancelled for the 2021 summer, according to TimeOut.

Even though the Melbourne Zoo has reopened, public gathering restrictions still make the performances impossible. The series will return for 2022.

“We know people will be disappointed that we’ve had to miss a season, but we look forward to an even bigger 2022 season,” said Melbourne Zoo director Michelle Bruggeman.

Marc Rebillet

Earlier this year Marc Rebillet announced he had rescheduled his AU/NZ tour to 2021 – on November 18, the French electronic musician rescheduled his entire tour once more, now set to begin in January 2022.

“The originally scheduled shows remain unable to go ahead due to the constantly changing nature of the COVID-19 pandemic,” a press release said.

Rebillet has, however, announced additional dates in 2022, adding a second show at Forum Melbourne and a third Sydney show at Enmore Theatre to meet demand.

Supergrass

On November 11, Frontier Touring announced that Supergrass‘ forthcoming AU tour would not proceed, due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The newly reunited Britpop outfit had previously postponed their tour indefinitely, but have now cancelled it altogether. The group’s six performance dates were due to be their first Australian shows in twelve years.

Neil Young’s Live Rust 40th Anniversary Concert

Neil Young’s Live Rust 40th Anniversary concert series, featuring tributes from Jebediah‘s Kevin Mitchell, Sarah McLeod of The Superjesus and more, has been postponed.

The shows had been scheduled to take place in Sydney and Melbourne in December. However, the tribute show will now take place at Melbourne’s Palais Theatre on May 19 and the Enmore Theatre in Sydney on May 20. Previously purchased tickets will be valid for the new dates.

Beyond the Valley Festival

On November 6, Beyond the Valley organisers announced the cancellation of this year’s event. The regional Victorian festival, which runs across New Years Eve annually, have set their sights on 2021.

Pre-sale tickets purchased for this year’s event will be valid for 2021. For ticketholders who are no longer able to attend the new date, organisers said they would receive an email with information on how to claim a refund.

“Put it in your calendars and start counting down the days,” organisers commented. “We will see you on 28th December 2021 for a four day celebration like no other.”

Thelma Plum

Thelma Plum has once again rescheduled her Homecoming Queen headline tour, now happening through May, June and July next year.

She had initially moved it from May to July this year to November and December of this year.

She’s also made a few additions and changes to the tour. Instead of playing two separate Sydney shows at The Metro Theatre, she will combine the two and play at The Enmore Theatre. She has also added a new show in Fremantle.

She’ll no longer be playing Hobart on this tour, though she’s promised fans she’ll make it up to them.

Plum tested positive for the coronavirus on March 15 and was hospitalised in Brisbane. “I am doing really good… and being monitored by Brissi’s [sic] finest,” she wrote in an Instagram post announcing her diagnosis.

All tickets for rescheduled shows remain valid.

The National

Handsome Tours announced on October 29 that The National have cancelled their Australian tour. The tour was initially scheduled for earlier this year, before being rescheduled to December. Phoebe Bridgers would have been supporting. Ticketholders will be refunded by their point of sale.

Julia Jacklin

Julia Jacklin has postponed her Adelaide show from November to May 2021, according to an announcement from Frontier Touring on October 27. The show was initially scheduled for March.

The show will now be split across two dates on May 20-21 due to capacity restrictions. Customers will be automatically assigned to a show based on the time of their original ticket purchase. Perth artist Carla Geneve will be supporting.

Rex Orange County

On October 14, it was announced that Rex Orange County‘s upcoming Australia & New Zealand tour had been cancelled. The singer-songwriter’s show dates had originally been postponed from May and June, but have now been cancelled altogether.

“We have tried very hard to plan for the future amongst the continuing global health crisis, but it has become clear that we’re unable to reschedule the ‘PONY’ Australia & New Zealand tour dates to a new period that we are fully confident will go ahead,” organisers said in a press statement.

All ticketholders will be issued refunds.

DMA’S

On October 13, DMA’S announced the rescheduled tour dates for their Brisbane shows, after postponing them in August. The Sydney-based trio will now be performing the four rescheduled gigs, as well as two additional shows, at The Tivoli between October 25-27. Two shows will be performed each day. Tickets go on sale this Thursday (October 15).

Lime Cordiale

Lime Cordiale have announced a slew of new Brisbane shows, in support of their latest album ’14 Steps To A Better You’.

On October 12, the duo let previous ticket holders know the new Brissy dates are slated for January 6, 7 and 8 in 2021.

“Sorry about the tonne of rescheduling this year but every show we’ve put on has been a bit of a gamble. Enjoy yourselves, get outside and enjoy a bit of nature til we see you next,” they said.

The nationwide tour was originally planned to take place during July and August. Adelaide has a show scheduled for December 18, but other cities are yet to be announced.

#1 Dads

On October 12, Tom Iansek of #1 Dads announced the cancellation of their 2020 nationwide tour. The tour was originally scheduled to run throughout June and July earlier this year, in support of #1 Dads’ third album ‘Golden Repair’.

Ticket holders will be contacted by their provider in coming days for an automatic refund.

“This year has taught us all a thing or two about appreciation of what we have, accepting what is out of our control, and hopefully even about quiet optimism and hope for the future,” he wrote in the Facebook post.

Spring Loaded Festival

The ongoing coronavirus pandemic has prompted the organisers of Spring Loaded Festival to postpone its dates until 2021.

The festival will still feature Grinspoon, Jebediah, Custard, Frenzal Rhomb and more, but will now take place on May 8 in Sydney and June 19 in Brisbane.

“Keep hanging in there and we’ll see you in 2021!” Jebediah wrote on Twitter on October 5.

Dom Dolla

Sydney producer Dom Dolla has rescheduled his 2020 tour again after its original May dates were cancelled due to restrictions on mass gatherings.

After it was moved to October, it has now been pushed back to May in 2021 due to remaining border restrictions. Hitting dates in Perth, Adelaide, Sydney and Brisbane, all tickets for the original shows are still valid. Ticketing outlets will be sending out information on how to obtain a refund by the morning of Monday, October 5. If ticketholders haven’t been contacted by then, they are urged to contact Ticketek.

Phil Jamieson

On October 1, Grinspoon frontman Phil Jamieson postponed the Queensland leg of his solo tour for a second time, due Queensland border restrictions. The shows had originally been rescheduled from August to October, but will now take place in December.

“It will a SANTAFEST. Let’s make the yuletide gay?” Jamieson wrote on social media.

Limited tickets are available via Jamieson’s website.

Tame Impala

On September 29, Tame Impala postponed their tour dates from December 2020 to December 2021. The tour was initially scheduled for April 2020.

Tame Impala will now begin their tour on December 7, 2021, in Sydney, before heading to Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth. Ticketholders will be granted entry into the corresponding rescheduled show and full refunds are available from the authorised point of purchase.

Josh Pyke

Josh Pyke has reconfigured his forthcoming album tour in response to state border closures and the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Pyke had been scheduled to play shows around the country in October, however, will now only play shows scheduled in Sydney.

For fans in other cities, Pyke has refunded tickets to his original shows and organised an “interactive online show” thorugh Delivered Live. Tickets cost just $15 each, but Pyke hopes that “some of you may volunteer to spend more” to show support.

“I didn’t want the year to go by without playing for you, and this is a way we can do that, with as much certainty as 2020 offers,” Pyke wrote on Twitter yesterday (September 23).

Click here to purchase tickets to the livestream event.

Spilt Milk Festival

On September 22, Spilt Milk confirmed the festival – which usually takes place annually in November – would not be going ahead this year.

“It’s with a heavy heart that we announce the 2020 edition of Spilt Milk won’t be going ahead,” read a statement from organisers, who say they hope to return in 2021.

“Stay safe, we’re gonna miss you this summer.”

Violent Femmes

Violent Femmes have postponed their planned Australian tour this year to 2022, after initially postponing shows from March to November/December. In an announcement to social media, the band cited the fact that members of the band were split between living in Australia and the US, with current international border restrictions preventing them from regrouping.

“We are all dressed up and nowhere to go,” Violent Femmes wrote.

“So we’re postponing our long-awaited Australian tour to February 2022. We hope the obstacles will be removed by then.”

All tickets to the current shows remain valid, with more shows set to be announced.

Laneway Festival Auckland 2021

Laneway’s Auckland leg was officially cancelled today (September 16) in a statement from festival organisers. Organisers will provide updates on Laneway’s Australian events “in the coming months”.

“After much deliberation, we are very disappointed to announce that Laneway Festival Auckland will not be taking place in Summer 2021,” festival organisers wrote in a statement.

“The current circumstances surrounding border closures and the unpredictability of future Covid-19 outbreaks have created an extremely tough environment for festivals. We take pride in delivering an absolutely premium event year after year but in these conditions, we do not believe we can operate to our full capabilities. We have decided that it would be best to take a year off in New Zealand so that we’re in a strong position to come back bigger and better than ever.”

Harry Styles

Harry Styles has announced that his Australian tour in support of his second studio album ‘Fine Line’ has been postponed until further notice. He was set to play shows in Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and Perth throughout November and December.

In a statement, Styles said: “I really hope to play the shows as planned for 2021 but will continue to monitor the situation over the coming weeks and months. I can’t wait to see you all on the road as soon as it’s safe to do so.”

Tour promoter Live Nation encourages those with tickets to hold on to them until new dates are revealed.

WAAX

On September 10, WAAX announced the cancellation of the interstate legs of their ‘Big Grief’ tour, which had already been rescheduled from original dates in March-April to October-November. The band will still be playing in Brisbane on October 29 and 30, plus an extra show added on October 23.

Tickets can be refunded at their point of purchase.

In a statement, the band said: “We are so saddened that we can’t bring the Big Grief tour to you. We wanted nothing more than to be back on stage, yelling and crying with you all. Hopefully we’ll be able to do that with you all soon.”

Dream Theater

On September 9, Dream Theater announced they have been forced one again to reschedule their Australian tour – in support of their latest album ‘Distance Over Time’ – from November to 2021. New tour dates and venues are yet to be announced. The 2021 tour now looks to mark a milestone achievement, the 20th anniversary of ‘Metropolis Part 2: Scenes From A Memory’ and has been dubbed The Distance Over Time Tour – Celebrating 20 Years Of ‘Scenes From A Memory’.

Touring company MJR TEG said in a press statement they are “working to secure new dates at the current venues to minimise impact on customers while keeping original seating and tickets purchased in place”.

Current tickets will be valid at all upcoming new show dates.

Northeast Party House

On September 9, Northeast Party House unveiled rescheduled dates for their already postponed Shelf Life tour. The shows were initially due to take place in August and September this year, before being pushed back to November and December, where the Canberra leg was dropped and an Adelaide one added. The band later announced that the tour would be moved to April and May, 2021.

“It kills us to have to do this to you again but we have had to reschedule our Shelf Life tour dates to April/May 2021 due the ongoing Covid situation,” they said in a social media post.

The change of dates means JEFFE will no longer be joining them on tour, however Benson is “locked in and ready to go”.

Tickets for the original and rescheduled shows remain valid for next year’s tour. Refunds are also available at point of purchase.

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Donny Benét

On September 4, Donny Benét announced that his October East Coast tour had been postponed until March 2021. All tickets for the original shows will be valid for the new dates.

To tide fans over until March, Benét also announced that he would play two intimate shows at Sydney’s Landsdowne Hotel during October. The shows will operate at a limited capacity in keeping with coronavirus-imposed venue restrictions. Tickets are on sale now.

Festival X

After its debut in 2019, Festival X has revealed that it will not go ahead in December due to the coronavirus pandemic.

“After an incredible first year, we regret to inform you that this year’s Festival X will not be going ahead,” reps for the event said in a statement.

“We have been closely monitoring the local and global situation and out of an abundance of caution for fans, artists, partners, crew and staff, it has become clear that it is not possible for this year’s event to go ahead this December as planned.”

Tones and I

On August 28, Tones and I announced she was rescheduling her headline Australian tour for the second time. Originally scheduled for May of this year, then pushed back to September, the dates will now commence in April 2021.

“Now is the time to stay safe, keep in touch with your friends and family,” Tones commented alongside the announcement. “I’ll see you at shows in 2021 and as always, we’re in this together.”

Great Gable

On August 26, Perth outfit Great Gable announced they have postponed their forthcoming national tour, scheduled for October.

Despite the national tour not going ahead, the band will proceed with the West Australian leg, with shows now added in Bunbury, Dunsborough, Fremantle and Margaret River.

The group are looking to reschedule the tour for 2021, with replacement shows for every city on the tour. All tickets will be honoured for the rescheduled dates, but refunds are also available.

“As keen as we are to get back out on the road and see you all, it’s important that everyone is staying safe and healthy and we are all doing our part until this thing is under control,” the band said.

Alanis Morissette

Alanis Morissette has postponed her upcoming Australian tour dates to November 2021, following an earlier rescheduling to November this year from April.

“…unfortunately we postponed the tour scheduled for this november to keep everyone safe,” Morissette wrote in a tweet.

“however, we have rescheduled w/ new dates for next november & december 2021! hold onto your tickets & continue to stay safe.”

These shows mark the 25th anniversary of her classic album, ‘Jagged Little Pill’. Julia Stone is still set to support on all dates.

Strawberry Fields

Strawberry Fields music festival announced its November event would not be going ahead this year in a statement released on August 18. Festival director Tara Medina said it isn’t wise for the festival to proceed in light of the coronavirus pandemic.

“Although we hope the current situation in Victoria improves dramatically in coming months, at the moment it feels inappropriate to consider bringing thousands of people to the region from primarily Melbourne and Sydney,” she said.

The festival will return in 2021.

Karnivool

Perth alt-rockers Karnivool have once again been forced to reschedule their The Decade of Sound Awake tour, the event meant to mark the 10th-anniversary of the release of their album ‘Sound Awake’.

“The last few weeks have made it very obvious that we will need to reschedule The Decade of Sound Awake tour,” Karnivool said in a statement on their website.

“We are not willing to compromise the show planned and this tour is not one that can be done in parts, so we are moving the dates to March 2021. This may seem like aeons away but it’s the best way we can assure everyone that it will happen then safely.”

“All tickets remain valid for the new shows so hold on to them and please hold onto all the ’11th Anniversary’ jokes cause we have already made them,” Karnivool said.

The band had rescheduled the tour once previously back in April, which was originally set to kick off in September.

LAUV

LAUV has announced that his ‘~how i’m feeling~’ 2020 Australian tour has been postponed to September 2021, originally set to take place in September 2020.

Fans who had tickets to the original shows are encouraged to hold on to them, as they remain valid for the 2021 dates. Jeremy Zucker, who was set to support LAUV on the 2020 tour, will still open all the shows in 2021.

Hockey Dad

Hockey Dad have postponed their drive-in concerts scheduled for July and August. In an Instagram post today (July 29) the group explained the concert site was “very boggy” and crew members would be unable to safely install a stage on the grounds.

The shows have been pushed back to October 9-10. Purchased tickets will be honoured for the future dates and refunds will be made available at the point of purchase.

“We are absolutely gutted… so sorry to everyone who bought tickets… we’ve all been looking forward to this for so long and its real upsetting,” the band said.

Loch Hart Music Festival

Victorian music festival Loch Hart has cancelled its 2020 event, according to an announcement made on July 29.

Festival director Jayden Bath said the “heart wrenching” decision was made after the team exhausted all alternative solutions in order to host the event.

“It is with a heavy heart that we must vacate our November 2020 dates,” Bath said in a statement.

“Given the current state of things in Victoria this is unlikely to come as a shock, however, it is still an extremely difficult decision to make. Ultimately, in the current environment even the best-laid plans can come unstuck. We can only run a festival that we truly believe in and that pays homage to the culture and community that has been built at Loch Hart 2018 and 2019.”

Twin Peaks

US indie rock band Twin Peaks have cancelled their forthcoming Australian tour, in an announcement released on July 23. The tour was already pushed back from April to October/November. The band were also included in Boogie Festival’s lineup, taking place over the Melbourne Cup long weekend.

“This is a huge bummer for us— we’ve really loved our tours in Australia and were floored by the support on our last tour October 2018 — but we are absolutely certain this is the right decision to make,” the band said in a statement.

Queenscliff Music Festival

Queenscliff Music Festival will not be going ahead in 2020, according to a statement released Wednesday July 22. Refunds will be made available but ticketholders are encouraged to hold on to their passes for the 2021 event, scheduled for November next year.

“We held out as long as we could, in the hope that things would improve and that we might be able to hold a festival, and for a while there it really looked liked things were improving and we’d be able to. Unfortunately though, with the recent COVID-19 spike in Victoria it is no longer possible,” festival director Andrew Orvis said.

Hella Mega Tour

On July 15, it was announced that the Australian and New Zealand leg of the Hella Mega Tour would not go ahead. The tour, which was set to feature Green Day, Weezer and Fall Out Boy, had been scheduled to take place this November.

“We kept trying to put this piece of the puzzle together, but unfortunately it’s just not possible due to the uncertainty of the government COVID-19 travel restrictions, mass gatherings, and most importantly for the safety of our fans, crew, and staff,” a representative for the festival said in a statement.

The festival also announced that ticket refunds would be available at the point of purchase.

Hockey Dad

On July 15, Hockey Dad announced rescheduled dates for their ‘Brain Candy’ album tour. The surf rock duo had initially scheduled the shows for June, however, they will now embark on the tour in April 2021.

“We can’t thank you enough for all of your patience so far with us getting these new dates locked in,” the band wrote on Twitter.

“All purchased tickets will remain valid for these new shows. Refunds available at point of purchase also.”

Listen Out

Dance and hip-hop festival Listen Out confirmed it would not be going ahead in 2020 on July 13.

“Well, we waited as long as we possibly could in case it became possible… but as you probably expected, the Listen Out / Listen In Aust & NZ tour can’t go ahead this year,” read a statement on the festival’s various social media accounts.

“We had a killer lineup ready to go, a new venue for Melbourne and heaps of changes in the other cities which you would have loved.”

While it won’t be going ahead in 2020, the festival confirmed that work has already begun on the 2021 events.

David Gray

David Gray’s ‘White Ladder’ Australia and New Zealand anniversary tour has been postponed to 2021, it was announced on July 10.

Originally set to kick off this November in Auckland to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Gray’s landmark album, the rescheduled dates now see the tour slated to commence in November 2021.

Gray shared a message to his fans in a press release – “At the moment everything feels a bit like being in some weird David Cronenberg film in which impending events keep moving off further and further into the future, but rest assured, these shows will happen! And when they do happen they’re going to be charged with a heightened sense of joy and celebration.

“Thank you for your patience, stay safe, keep the faith and I’ll see you all next year.”

The tour will now commence in Fremantle, WA, before heading through Australia and New Zealand and concluding at Auckland’s Spark Arena on Saturday November 27 2021.

Ticket holders are advised current tickets remain valid at the new shows and to head to the touring website for further information.

Pond

On July 8, Pond announced that their previously postponed headline show at Freo.Social would take place on Saturday, November 7. The band had initially intended to play at the West Australian venue in April. However, they were forced to push the show back to a later date.

The band confirmed that all tickets for the original date would be honoured at the new show. Children Collide had been scheduled to support Pond at the April gig, however, the support act for the new date is yet to be advised. Click here to purchase tickets.

Caloundra Music Festival

Richie Eyles, the director of Caloundra Music Festival, confirmed on July 2 that the event would not proceed in 2020.

“While there is still no clear path to what events might look like in the future, we know that events contribute to our sense of place and our sense of community spirit, and that we will be back in some new shape or form in the future,” Eyles said in a statement.

Eyles confirmed that Caloundra Music Festival would return in 2021 at its usual location on Kings Beach.

Simple Minds

On July 1, Simple Minds announced that the Australian leg of their ’40 Year Of Hits’ Tour had been postponed until December 2021. Ticketholders are advised that tickets purchased for the original shows will be honoured.

“The frustration of seeing yet more live shows being rescheduled is huge,” frontman Jim Kerr said in a statement.

“We are determined to make even more effort for our fans in Australia and New Zealand. In the meantime we ask all of you to keep your tickets – and keep the faith! We guarantee our live shows will be worth the extra wait… Thanks to all!’

Click here to view Simple Minds’ AU tour dates for 2021.

5 Seconds of Summer

5 Seconds of Summer have pushed back their Australian tour dates, according to a post on their Instagram from June 27. The tour, originally slated for November and December 2020, is now locked in for March next year.

“We want you all to know… we see you and feel your support,” the band said in a statement.

“We can’t wait to be back playing shows when it’s okay to do so.”

The Whitlams

On June 25, The Whitlams revealed that their ‘Gaffage & Clink’ tour had been rescheduled for August and September of 2021. The band announced that the support acts originally booked for the tour, Ben Lee, Phil Jamieson and Alex Lloyd, had committed to the new dates.

All original tickets are valid for the new dates. Most of the band’s rescheduled dates are therefore already sold out, however, to see which shows have tickets remaining, watch the video below:

Boy & Bear

On June 18, Boy & Bear cancelled the majority of their rescheduled ‘Suck On Light’ tour dates. The tour was originally intended to kick off April before being pushed back to November/December. Clews were locked in as support acts.

Shows in Perth, Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane will still go ahead. Ticketholders to now-cancelled shows are advised to contact their authorised point of purchase for refunds.

“We recognise that to many people, these cancellations will be disappointing, as they are to us, but please know that we will be working hard towards a plan where we can get back out there and do what we love sooner rather than later,” the band said on Facebook.

James Blunt

English singer/songwriter James Blunt shared on May 28 he has been forced to cancel his Australia and New Zealand tour with special guest Jason Mraz, originally set to begin November.

Blunt, best known for hit songs ‘Goodbye My Lover’ and ‘You’re Beautiful’, was to appear at all A Day On The Green festival dates, and said via press representatives that he, “would like to thank fans for their understanding and both look forward to returning to Australia and New Zealand at a future date.”

No rescheduled dates have been offered, however, Frontier Touring have provided ticket holders with information on how to obtain a refund, which you can find here.

The Milk Carton Kids

Folk duo, The Milk Carton Kids, announced on May 21 that their 2020 Australian tour had been cancelled. The band had been scheduled to tour regional and metropolitan hubs in August.

On Twitter, The Milk Carton Kids assured fans that they would return to Australia in 2021. “Put your masks on and sit tight until then, it’ll be worth the wait,” they wrote.

Parkway Drive

On May 25, Parkway Drive revealed that their forthcoming Australian tour has been rescheduled to July of 2021.

“Given the current situation with Coronavirus (COVID-19) and the various restrictions State and Federal Governments have put in place, it is figuratively impossible for the tour to go on in June 2020,” the band said in a press statement.

The tour will see the band play shows in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide and Brisbane. They will be supported Hatebreed and Every Time I Die.

Sydney Fringe Festival

On May 25, Sydney Fringe Festival’s director and CEO, Kerri Glasscock, announced that the festival would not go ahead in 2020.

“The decimation this crisis has caused our community of cultural workers, facilitators, venues and makers is devastating and Sydney Fringe has not avoided this destruction,” Glasscock said in a press statement, “Presenting our annual arts festival in September has become an impossible dream.”

In place of regular proceedings, Glasscock announced plans to stream performances from Fringe Festivals around the world during September.

Short Stack

On May 19, pop-punk band Short Stack shared the list of rescheduled dates for their Australian tour, originally intended to take place in June. The ten-date tour will now take place in April, with special guests Between You & Me to support all shows.

All purchased tickets will be honoured for the rescheduled dates and ticketholders will be contacted by their point of purchase to outline the refund process if necessary. Most shows are sold out and remaining tickets are now on sale through Frontier Touring.

Lenny Kravitz

US rock legend Lenny Kravitz announced the official cancellation of his 2020 Australian tour on May 14.

The trio of headline shows was due to take place in April and were to tie in with Kravitz’ appearance at Byron Bay Bluesfest, also cancelled. The shows in Newcastle, Sydney and Melbourne and were originally postponed due to current coronavirus related restrictions.

In a statement, Kravitz reportedly commented, “I was really looking forward to seeing you all but we need everyone to stay safe, from the fans to my crew and band.

“Due to COVID-19 and government restrictions my upcoming tour dates are regretfully cancelled. I am hoping to be back soon. Let Love Rule.”

Ticketholders will be contacted by Ticketmaster for a full refund.

Gympie Music Muster

On May 12, the chairman of Gympie Music Muster, Greg Cavanagh, announced that the festival would not go ahead in 2020. Gympie Music Muster was scheduled to take place from August 27-30, with a lineup featuring John Williamson, Beccy Cole, Travis Collins and more.

“While restrictions on movement and gatherings may ease by August, it has become clear that moving forward with the Muster this year is just not tenable or responsible,” Cavanagh said.

AJ Tracey

UK grime sensation AJ Tracey announced on May 5 dates for his rescheduled Australian tour. New dates are slated to kick off in January 2021. While three of the four shows are sold out, tickets still remain for the rapper’s Sydney show, now taking place on Thursday January 7 2021.

Tracey was originally set to tour the country throughout April and May, including a performance at the now cancelled Groovin The Moo festival.

All tickets for previous dates remain valid. Find out more about the new shows here.

The Rubens

On March 18, The Rubens announced that their ‘Live In Life’ national tour had been postponed. It was initially scheduled to begin in May and conclude in July. In March, the band wrote that cancelling the tour was “unprecedented territory for us, our team and all our peripheral industry.”

On May 4, The Rubens announced that their ‘Live In Life’ would now commence in September, concluding in early December. Alice Ivy will support The Rubens at most of their 28 shows. The band were forced to cancel their show in Mittagong due to venue issues, but have added an extra show in Tasmania. Dates are as follows:

(Sandy) Alex G

On May 1, Frontier Touring confirmed that (Sandy) Alex G’s Australian tour had been cancelled “due to current restrictions on non-essential gatherings placed by the Australian government for COVID-19.”

The Philadelphia singer-songwriter was scheduled to play a trio of headline shows in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane in June. His management are quoted in the event page saying rescheduled dates will be announced, but for now all tickets will be refunded at point of purchase.

Iron Maiden

After an initial postponement of their Australia tour, Iron Maiden announced on May 1 they have cancelled the Australian leg of their global Legacy Of The Beast tour. Originally set to kick off in Perth on May 1, the band cited “current restrictions surrounding live events worldwide” as the reason for the cancellation.

In a Facebook post, Iron Maiden’s manager Rod Smallwood made a statement. “As you know, we were due to be with you shortly for the May shows and we are all very disappointed that we can’t get to see you all as originally planned.

“However we do promise our fans that we will get down to see you when we reasonably can. We love touring in your beautiful countries, where we always feel very much at home and welcome. Hopefully I can tell you more later this year when things should become clearer.”

All ticket holders can expect to receive a full refund with details on the process available here.

Clairo

On April 24, Clairo announced the cancellation of her headline shows scheduled from April till July 2020. These include Australian stops in Perth, Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney – all sideshows around her planned appearance at Groovin The Moo 2020 – plus a New Zealand show in Auckland.

In a Twitter post, Clairo said “We’ve been working hard to reschedule these shows but given the current climate, there are too many unknown variables right now. We’ve decided to refund all tickets. We will keep you posted on our return in 2021.”

Mallrat

On April 23, Mallrat – aka Grace Shaw – announced new dates for her Australian tour in support of her 2019 EP ‘Driving Music‘.

The tour, initially scheduled for May 2020, has been pushed to January 2021. It stops in Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide, Brisbane Sydney and Hobart. Existing ticketholders will be contacted with details of new dates.

Bon Iver

On April 23, Bon Iver announced they’ve pushed their June tour dates back to March and April 2021. All remaining tickets go on sale Thursday April 30 at 11am local time. All venues will remain the same, with the exception of Adelaide, which has been upgraded to the Adelaide Entertainment Centre.

Previously purchased tickets will be honoured for the new dates. In the case of Sydney, tickets purchased for the June 23 show are now valid for April 5, and June 24 ticketholders will have access to the April 6 performance. Ticketholders who are unable to make the rescheduled dates are advised to contact their point of purchase. The sold-out performances on June 12 and 13 in Tasmania were unable to be rescheduled and refunds will be made available.

Big Thief

A statement released by Big Thief on April 22 confirmed their national tour dates, originally scheduled for May, have been rescheduled for March 2021. The band have also added a Sydney stop to their itinerary, which will take place on March 12 at Enmore Theatre.

Tickets for the Sydney show go on sale Wednesday April 29 at 9am AEST via Love Police. Tickets for the Fremantle, Melbourne under 18s and Hobart shows are still available, while all other shows are sold out.

G Flip

On April 14, G Flip announced her regional tour in May would be postponed. New dates are expected to be confirmed in the coming weeks. All tickets will be valid for the rescheduled dates and refunds are available from the authorised point of purchase.

“I am so excited to get back on stage and can’t wait until I can get silly with you all again. Stay safe,” G Flip said in a post on Facebook.

Spring Loaded

Spring Loaded Festival organisers announced on April 9 the festival’s Sydney leg had been moved to November 7 at Randwick Royal. The festival’s Bribie Island event has also been rescheduled, with information to come later this month.

Most of the lineup – which features Grinspoon, Magic Dirt, Frenzal Rhomb and more – will remain the same with the exception of You Am I, who are no longer able to perform. They will be replaced by Jebediah.

The Chats

On April 9, The Chats announced new dates for their 2020 Australian tour. The Sunshine Coast trio will head out on their national trek in November and December. The new dates include an additional stop in Adelaide.

Before The Chats tour Australia in support of their debut album ‘High Risk Behaviour’, they will spend October touring the UK and Europe.

David Ellefson & Chris Poland

Megadeth guitarists David Ellefson and Chris Poland have rescheduled their Australia tour for 2021, originally meant to commence in May.

In a Facebook video, Ellefson addressed the situation with fans.

The tour has been rescheduled for February 2021 beginning in Brisbane.

This tour would have been the first time the two members of the iconic thrash group had performed together in 38 years, Poland having appeared on Megadeth’s 1986 ‘Peace Sells’ album.

Butterfingers

Aussie hip hop legends announced on April 8 they have rescheduled their national tour.

In support of their latest album, ‘Bad News’ (released on the same day as their announcement), the tour will now commence in October, beginning at the Prince of Wales in Bunbury, Western Australia, on October 29.

“What a time to be releasing an album called ‘Bad News’!” member Evil Eddie said in a press release.

Melbourne International Film Festival

Melbourne International Film Festival announced on April 8 that it would not go ahead in 2020. The festival takes place every August. Any memberships or passes purchased for MIFF 2020 will be valid for the following year.

“Our thoughts rush to those who make MIFF what it is year after year, and what it will return to be. To our partners, funders, venues, staff, suppliers, filmmakers and artists, volunteers, prized collaborators of all kinds, and our own uniquely MIFF audiences, we wish you safety and support; we will continue, together,” artistic director Al Cossar said in a statement.

Fontaines D.C.

Fontaines D.C. have pushed their Australian tour dates back to December. The tour was set to kick off this month. Fans have been encouraged to hold on to their tickets until then. All the band’s shows, with the exception of Brisbane, are currently sold out.

Unfortunately due to Covid-19 and the advice from the government, we’ve had to reschedule our Australian dates from April to December. Tickets will remain valid so please hold onto them. We’re looking forward to seeing you then and in the meantime, keep safe x pic.twitter.com/0jRl87bev0

— Fontaines D.C. (@fontainesdublin) April 7, 2020

Twin Peaks

Twin Peaks have confirmed new dates for their 2020 Australian tour. The Chicago band will be heading Down Under in October and November. The new dates include a headline show at the Lansdowne in Sydney, making up for the cancellation of the Marrickville-based festival Bad Friday.

The Vanns

Indie rock outfit The Vanns announced on April 3 they have rescheduled dates for their Red Eye Tour.

The band’s tour in support of debut album ‘Through The Walls’ was originally meant to be underway now, but the new shows will commence in September.

The announcement came alongside the release of an alternate version of latest single ‘Jules Said’ with an official video also dropping.

Confidence Man

On April 3, Confidence Man confirmed their rescheduled Australian tour dates for later this year. The tour, which was set to be the band’s first headlining shows in two years, were initially due to kick off in May. The gigs have now been postponed to November.

Confidence Man also announced that their Melbourne show, taking place on November 13  at The Forum, will now be a ‘late show’. Doors will open at 11pm.

Existing tickets for all shows are still valid, though refunds can be obtained from the point of purchase.

Winston Surfshirt

Sydney-based six-piece Winston Surfshirt have postponed their national Australian tour, originally set to run from May to July.

In a tweet published on April 2 the funk/hip hop outfit announced the shows had been rescheduled for November 2020 and assured fans that all tickets for original shows would remain valid for the new dates, with an email to be sent to ticket holders with further information.

Hey y’all. We’ve unfortunately had to reschedule our Australian tour we had booked from May to July 2020.
Good news is we’ll be moving the shows to November this year. All tickets already purchased remain valid for the new dates, you’ll get an email with the new info. Stay safe pic.twitter.com/rYOhgfM19W

— Winston Surfshirt (@WNSTNSRFSHRT) April 1, 2020

UB40

UK reggae band UB40 announced on April 2 that their 40th anniversary Australian tour will be postponed until late 2020.

Originally set to tour in May, performing songs from their latest album ‘For The Many’, the tour has now been rescheduled for October.

“We always look forward to trips down under, but we know it’s only a temporary delay, we will be back,” said the band in a statement today “The most important thing is that we all stay safe and we’ll see you on the other side of this ordeal.”

Tickets will remain valid for all upcoming shows. Australian tour promoters MJR Presents have encouraged all ticket holders to hang on to their tickets, in order to continue supporting the live music industry.

Furnace and the Fundamentals

Sydney party band Furnace and the Fundamentals announced on April 1 a bunch of rescheduled dates from their 2020 Australian tour that was cut short due to the coronavirus outbreak.

They played shows in Adelaide and Melbourne throughout February and March, but have now announced new shows for Perth, Sydney and Melbourne to take place throughout September and October. All existing tickets remain valid, with additional tickets available for purchase here.

Faith No More

Rock heavyweights Faith No More announced on April 1 they’d been forced to reschedule their 2020 Australian tour, originally set to begin in May. The band made the announcement on social media and new dates have been locked in for February 2021. The tour would have been Faith No More’s first shows in Australia since 1997.

All existing tickets remain valid for the new dates with tickets available for purchase here. Melbourne alternative outfit RVG set to support on all dates

Friends… Due to the spread of the COVID-19 we have no choice but to postpone the FNM concerts we had planned in New Zealand and Australia in May.

Thank you for supporting us and the quest for public safety.

We will see you soon,
Billy, Jon, Mike, Mike and Roddy pic.twitter.com/AZUpbFgpyD

— Faith No More (@FaithNoMore) March 31, 2020

Melbourne Fringe Festival

On March 31, CEO and Creative Director Simon Abrahams announced a slight postponement for the iconic Melbourne festival. The festival will now take place from November 12-29 2020. Artist registrations will commence on June 1, with further details to be disclosed.

A statement from Abrahams was released today on the festival’s website.

“The later dates will ensure that we can provide the best opportunities and support for artists as we all work our way through this unprecedented crisis. We are working on changes to the registration timelines and processes to support artists as best we can.”

The link to the full statement can be found here.

Fisher

EDM producer Fisher has rescheduled his planned Australian Beach Party tour, which was set to kick off in late March.

The Fisher Australian Beach Party tour will now go ahead later this year, across late November and early December.

A new statement from Kicks Entertainment, the tour’s promoter, was released on March 30.

“Ticket holders who aren’t able to attend the new dates will be able to request a refund until 5pm April 10 (local time) by contacting the ticket provider at point of purchase.“

Methyl Ethyl

Methyl Ethyl have confirmed new Australian tour dates for October 2020. The tour was originally scheduled for April, to coincide with the release of their upcoming EP ‘Hurts To Laugh’ (April 10). Pre-purchased tickets are valid for the new dates and refunds for those who can’t make it will be available from March 30 to April 30.

City and Colour

City and Colour will be returning to Australia later this year, kicking off in Perth on October 31 before heading to Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney in early November. Alex Lahey is still scheduled to support.

In a statement, Dallas Green said “I have always appreciated how welcoming you’ve been to me and I love Australia like it’s my home away from home. Your well-being is top priority. Take care of one another and stay safe.”

Julia Jacklin

Julia Jacklin has confirmed that her March 14 show in Adelaide, which was postponed the morning of, has been moved to November.

In a video posted to her social media on March 14, Jacklin sang a karaoke version of Celine Dion’s ‘My Heart Will Go On’ and apologised for the late notice of the show’s cancellation.

“Just want to err on the side of caution for everyone’s safety and just come back later in the year when things have hopefully calmed down. Love you all and SO SORRY I’ll be back soon!!!!” she wrote.

Tame Impala

Tame Impala’s national tour dates, initially announced for April, have been rescheduled for December. More information is available on Chugg Entertainment’s website.

All tickets will be valid for the rescheduled dates and refunds are available from the authorised point of purchase. In Melbourne, tickets for the April 23 show will be valid for the December 13 performance and April 24 tickets will be valid for the December 14 concert.

Support act Khruangbin are unable to make the new dates and a new support act will be announced in the near future.

Tones and I

On March 27, Tones and I confirmed new tour dates for September and October after postponing her May performances. The new tour schedule sees Tones and I add an Adelaide stop and perform at an upgraded Hobart venue.

“I hope you’re all taking the necessary precautions to stay safe, wash your hands, practise social distancing as much as you can, self-isolate if you start to feel unwell, check in with your friends and family and look out for each other,” Tones and I said in a statement on Facebook.

Marc Rebillet

Marc Rebillet has confirmed new dates for his postponed Australian tour.

The Texas musician/YouTuber will now perform in Australia and New Zealand in January and February 2021. They will be his first-ever shows in the region. A special guest for the shows will be announced “in due course”, Frontier Touring said in a statement.

To make up for the postponements, Rebillet staged the ‘Quarantine Livestream Tour’ earlier this month by livestreaming four sets on Australian time, each named after a city that he was due to perform in.

Dream Theater

Dream Theater shared their rescheduled tour dates on March 27. The prog-metal band were expecting to perform the Australian leg of the ‘Evening With’ world tour in April, however it has now been pushed back to November. All tickets will be valid for the new show dates.

Great Gable

On March 27, Great Gable postponed their national tour which was set to kick off in April. Now scheduled for October and November, the group will continue to play in Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane alongside some newly-added shows in Byron Bay, Maroochydore, Hobart, Torquay and Wollongong. Tickets will be fully transferrable to the new shows in their respective cities and refunds are available at the point of purchase.

“Keep supporting all your favourite bands through this time – stay home, buy merch, stream as much music as you can and look after yourselves,” the band said in a statement.

100 Gecs

On March 26, 100 Gecs announced they would be cancelling all Australian tour dates on their Instagram story. The experimental duo were set to make their Australian debut in June, with shows in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney as part of their ‘Tree Clues’ world tour.

“US & EU headline dates are postponed 4 late summer/fall. AUS dates are unfortunately cancelled 4 the time being. We’re gna make it up 2u soon we promise!! All tickets will be honoured and new dates announced soon. Remix’s r coming ;)” the message read.

Cable Ties

On March 26, Cable Ties confirmed on social media they would postpone their Australian ‘Far Enough’ album tour, set for April and May. The band were due to kick off their tour in Sydney on April 24 before heading around the country until late May.

Cable Ties urged ticketholders to keep their ticket, unless they were financially unable to do so.

“We are currently working on rescheduling these dates for later in the year. As such, we’d LOVE it if ticket holders wanna hang on to their tickets as we move to announcing new dates – your tickets will be valid for those new shows,” they wrote.

Yorke

On March 25, Yorke announced that her May tour in support of her debut EP, ‘Liberosis’, has been postponed.

The three-date trek, which was originally due to kick off in Melbourne in May, has been rescheduled to sometime later this year. Although the singer has yet to confirm the new dates, she said that the shows will take place in October. “Hopefully you can all make it to EP tour 2.0 – it’s gonna be better [than] ever!” Yorke wrote on Instagram.

Ticket holders are advised to wait for further information from the respective ticket vendors on validity and refunds.

Bello Winter Music Festival

Bello Winter Music has announced its cancellation for 2020. The Bellingen, NSW festival was due to take place from July 9 to 12.

“We are so disappointed for the artists, the workers, the ticket holders and the town of Bellingen,” Bello’s festival director Glenn Wright said, per The Music.

“Unfortunately we can’t see any way around the cancellation. We did look at the option of postponing but decided that promoting an event in the current health emergency, with no clear end in sight, was not possible in our situation.”

In a previous Facebook post, the festival said they were monitoring the coronavirus situation and that if Bello Winter Music were to be cancelled, full refunds would be made within seven days of cancellation.

Bello Winter Music’s 2020 lineup included US musician Kristy Lee, New Zealand group Albi & The Wolves, Australian acts Cool Out Sun, Sunnyside, Andy Golledge and more.

KOTA The Friend

New York MC KOTA The Friend has rescheduled his Australian tour for this December.

The tour was meant to begin in May, but has been postponed as per a statement from Frontier Touring on March 24.

All ticket for the original dates are valid for the new ones, with limited additional tickets remaining for each city. KOTA’s first Melbourne date has already sold out.

Stormzy

UK rap star Stormzy has rescheduled his Australian tour.

The ‘Heavy Is The Head’ tour was set to begin in May, but has now been shifted to start in late November.

A statement from Stormzy came via promoter Handsome Tours on March 24.

“I was seriously looking forward to bringing the #HITH world tour to Australia and New Zealand and playing some epic sold-out shows”, he said.

“[H]owever, due to the evolving health and travel concerns surrounding the coronavirus, I’m regrettably having to reschedule this leg of the tour. The good news is we were able to reschedule the dates for this coming November and December so I’ll be seeing you before the end of the year. Stay safe and I can’t wait to see you all soon.”

All tickets for the previously-announced dates remain valid for the new shows. Find the full list of new dates at Handsome Tours’ website.

Billy Bragg

Billy Bragg’s extensive ‘One Step Forward. Two Steps Back.’ tour has been postponed.

Originally set to take place in May, Bragg has moved the dates to commence in January 2021.

A statement from Bragg himself was released via tour promoter Handsome Tours on March 24.

“Of course I’d love to see you sooner, but right now, we all need to concentrate on doing what we can to support each other through this crisis”, he said.

“I’m really looking forward to seeing you all, but until then, stay safe and take care of each other.”

The Iron Maidens

The band described as “the world’s best (and only all-female) Iron Maiden tribute act” have postponed their second-ever Australian tour.

Originally planning to go ahead in April, the new dates will see the band arrive this September.

A statement from the promoter, Silverback Touring, was released on March 23.

“Due to the Australian government regulations surrounding COVID-19, this tour has been postponed to September/October”, it reads.

“All tickets purchased for the April shows remain valid. You do not need to do anything, please hold on to your ticket. We encourage you to not seek a refund, as this will greatly assist the artists, promoters, venues and everyone involved in this tour.”

The tour’s new schedule brings some slight changes, including a relocation of both the Melbourne and Adelaide shows as well as the cancellation of the band’s Canberra show.

Coincidentally, the real Iron Maiden have also postponed their Australian tour.

Teenage Bottlerocket

American punk band Teenage Bottlerocket have cancelled their upcoming Australian tour. It was due to go ahead in May with support from The Eradicator and Flangipanis.

A March 18 statement from Arrest Records’ Greg Bower, who was putting on the tour, notes that “we will plan the tour again”. However, “there is too much uncertainty to know anything when dealing with different country regulations”.

“Touring is a major source of income for the band and putting on tours is a source of income for myself. I hope to get through this and make this tour a reality down the track.”

“I love you all for all the support over the years and hope I can do what I love again so I can see what joy bands give to people’s lives. Support those around you. Be safe and hygienic and let’s beat this thing together.”

Tim Minchin

On March 23, Tim Minchin announced that he has rescheduled his sold-out Australian Back Encore Tour.

The trek, which was initially due to kick off on March 26 in Melbourne, has been postponed to 2021. Minchin will embark on his rescheduled Oz tour throughout January and February next year. He is still, however, expected to appear at Splendour In The Grass, which has been moved to October this year.

All tickets can be transferred or reissued for the rescheduled shows. Fans who can no longer attend the new dates can obtain a full refund from their point of purchase.

Iron Maiden

On March 20, Iron Maiden officially postponed their 2020 Australian tour, which was due to kick off in May with Killswitch Engage supporting.

Promoters TEG Dainty advise fans to hold onto their tickets and await further information on new dates. Those unable to attend the rescheduled dates will be able to secure refunds.

Karnivool

Karnivool announced on March 20 that its Decade of Sound Awake Tour has been postponed.

The band were due to commemorate the 10th anniversary of their album ‘Sound Awake’ by playing it in full at five shows across Australia in April. The entire tour has been rescheduled. New dates are not yet available.

“Keep your tickets, stand by for a New Day,” the band wrote in an Instagram post, punning on the album cut ‘New Day’.

CMC Rocks QLD 2020

Country and roots festival CMC Rocks QLD has been cancelled.

The event, which was due to take place March 20-22 in Willowback, Ipswich, has been cancelled as of March 20. Organisers are currently working towards new dates in October, and advise ticket holders to retain their tickets, though those who cannot attend the new dates are entitled to full refunds.

“Despite our very best efforts to move CMC Rocks QLD to later in the year, we have had to make the incredibly difficult decision to cancel the 2020 event altogether,” organisers wrote in a statement on March 20.

“We’d like to thank our CMC Rocks community for their support and understanding during these challenging times.

Take care of yourselves, your friends and family, and we look forward to seeing you all in 2021!”

Bootleg Rascal

Sydney duo Bootleg Rascal announced on March 20 that they have postponed their East Coast capital city tour. They were also due to play Big Pineapple Music Festival, which has also been pushed back to October, and Day On The Lawn, which has been cancelled.

Their shows in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane, initially due to run from late March to April, have been moved to September 2020. SCABZ will still support Bootleg Rascal, though Shag Rock have to withdraw from this leg. A replacement will be announced. See the details for the rescheduled tour here:

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Bootleg Rascal also say they will take advantage of the tour postponement to record a new EP, titled ‘Collaborations of Very Isolated Delinquents ’19’. Its first single, ‘We Independent’, is scheduled for release on May 22.

“While we can’t tour, [guitarist Jimmy Young] and myself thought it could be cool to set ourselves a challenge of dropping a new track each month and tie it all into a conceptual EP,” frontman Carlos Lara said in a statement.

“The record is set to be heavily influenced by what’s currently happening in the world and some wild dreams I had towards the end of 2019, where the world had been consumed by biological warfare.”

Endless Boogie and Howlin’ Rain

Endless Boogie and Howlin’ Rain’s shows in Australia have been postponed, organisers announced on March 20. Both bands were due to tour Down Under in April, but will now tour in October and November.

The American bands will play together at Melbourne’s The Tote on October 29, and Sydney’s Crowbar on November 5. They will also perform at Boogie Festival, which has also been rescheduled. These dates will be Howlin’ Rain’s first time playing in Australia.

Endless Boogie will also play shows without Howlin’ Rain at Black Bear Lodge in Brisbane (November 6) and Eltham Hotel in Northern NSW (November 7).

Existing tickets will be honoured on the new dates, and ticket refunds are available for one month.

Ocean Alley

On March 19, Ocean Alley postponed their 2020 headline Australia tour to next year.

The tour, which was due to kick off in April, has now been pushed back to February 2021. These shows were supposed to be Ocean Alley’s first headline concerts since 2018. The new shows will now take place from February 6 to March 24, 2021. Previously announced support acts Psychedelic Porn Crumpets and Dulcie are confirmed to still play the new dates.

Current ticketholders will be able to attend the rescheduled dates. Those who are unable to go to the new shows can obtain a full refund from the point of purchase or re-sell their tickets via the Tixel marketplace.

So Pop

So Pop 2020 has been cancelled, Frontier Touring announced on March 19, “due to COVID-19 policies and measures put in place by the Australian and New Zealand Government”.

The 2020 lineup was headed by the newly reunited Pussycat Dolls. Also on the bill were Steps, Jesse McCartney, Smash Mouth, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Whigfield and more. The festival was due to run from late April to early May, landing in Brisbane, Sydney, Adelaide, Perth and Melbourne, as well as Auckland and Christchurch.

“Tickets purchased online or phone through the official So Pop ticketing agencies will be automatically refunded in full via the relevant ticketing agent to the cardholder,” Frontier Touring’s statement said. “Ticket purchasers should allow approximately 20 business days for refunds to appear in their account and need not take any further action.”

Boogie Festival

Boogie Festival has announced that it has been postponed to the weekend of October 30 to November 1. “As 98% of our ticket buyers live in the great state of Victoria, we figured Melbourne Cup weekend would be a suitable time period [for the rescheduled festival],” organisers explained in a statement on March 19.

Boogie, which will take place in Tallarook this year for the last time, was initially scheduled for April 10 to 12. Acts announced included POND, Cash Savage & The Last Drinks, Twin Peaks, Endless Boogie, Hayley Mary and more.

Organisers have yet to confirm the lineup for the new dates, but said they “are working to have the exact same acts playing as already announced, and so far, this is looking positive”. They added, “We will still deliver a few surprises for our last waltz in the dust, don’t you worry about that.”

Tickets for the April dates remain valid for the November dates, though refunds will be available for a month from today. “We were very close to sold out before the COVID-19 sent daily life into a spin, so think hard about your ticket decisions,” the festival wrote.

Slowly Slowly

On March 19, Slowly Slowly announced that their 2020 Australia tour has been postponed to later in the year.

The six-date trek, in support of their recently released third album ‘Race Car Blues’, was originally due to kickstart in April. The new dates run from October 8 to November 7. Slowly Slowly also assured fans that all tickets already purchased will be valid for the new shows. Those who are opting for a refund can hit up the ticketing outlet for a full return.

“There are many negatives that you can take from this situation, but we have chosen to focus on the positive. Re-evaluate your lives, reconnect with silence, be present and see this an opportunity to step off the treadmill of life,” the band wrote on Instagram.

The Offspring and Sum 41

On March 19, The Offspring and Sum 41 announced that their co-headlining tour Down Under has been rescheduled.

According to a Facebook statement by concert tour organiser Destroy All Lines, the shows have been postponed due to safety concerns. They also added that the rescheduled dates will be announced as soon as possible. “We thank for your patience and understanding whilst our incredible team works around the clock to get this information to you. Your ongoing support and passion for live music is what keeps us in business and spurs us on to deliver incredible concerts,” the statement reads.

The Offspring and Sum 41’s joint tour sold out within two hours since tickets went on sale on February 3. The tour was expected to kick off in April at Perth’s HBF Stadium with stops in Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane.

The Vanns

On March 18, The Vanns postponed their Red Eye tour. It was due to kick off on March 19 in Hobart and hit eight other cities over the course of a month. Bands that had been due to support The Vanns included Death By Denim, Stellie, Chase City, Kookshill, Internet Friends and MC Twisty and the Funk Nasty.

The Rubens

The Rubens have postponed their massive 27-date Australian tour in support of their most recent single ‘Live In Life’, the band announced on March 18.

Their Live In Life tour was initially scheduled to begin in May and conclude in July. New show dates have not been confirmed yet, however the band promise to update fans soon. “When new dates are announced you’ll have the opportunity to refund if you can’t make it. But god damn we hope you can cos WHAT A PARTY IT WILL BE WHEN WE’RE ALL ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THIS THING.” they wrote on Instagram.

They added, “This is unprecedented territory for us, our team and all our peripheral industry. Touring is the lifeblood of our band and keeps us doing what we love and for that we are grateful.”

Holy Holy

Holy Holy have postponed their upcoming regional tour of Australia, the Sydney duo announced on March 18.

The pair were set to embark on a nation-wide trek in support of their 2019 album, ‘My Own Pool Of Light’, in April. New rescheduled dates will be announced at a later date. Current tickets are expected to remain valid for the future gigs but ticketholders are also entitled to a full refund if they’re no longer able to make the shows.

In light of the coronavirus fears, Holy Holy said in a Facebook statement that they’ll “be making efforts to connect with our fans online during this time of social isolation, so stay across our social media and let’s stay in touch”.

“This darkness is nothing but a lack of light,” they added.

The Lazy Eyes

On March 18, The Lazy Eyes have been forced to postpone their debut headline shows.

The up-and-coming Sydney outfit were scheduled to play a free show at The Retreat Hotel in Melbourne on March 27, before heading up to Sydney’s Waywards the day after for a ticketed concert. The shows are in support of the band’s debut single, ‘Cheesy Love Song’, which was released in January.

In a Twitter statement, The Lazy Eyes assured fans that they’ll “be back really soon with new dates”. They also confirmed that current tickets will still be valid for the new rescheduled shows. However, those who would like a refund can contact their point of purchase.

Channel Tres

On March 18, Channel Tres’ Australia tour was called off, following the cancellation of Groovin The Moo 2020, which he was due to play.

He was due to headline shows in Perth, Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney around GTM’s regional stops from late April to early May.

Per Frontier Touring, ticketholders need not take any action, as refunds will be automatically processed back to the purchase method between 10 and 20 business days.

Bhad Babie

On March 18, Bhad Babie’s Australia tour was called off, following the cancellation of Groovin The Moo 2020, which she was due to play.

The rapper was due to headline shows in Auckland, Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney around GTM’s regional stops from late April to early May.

Ticketholders for Bhad Babie’s Auckland, Melbourne and Brisbane will receive automatic refunds. There is no info on the refund process for Sydney ticketholders at this time.

People’s Choice BASSINTHEGRASS

People’s Choice BASSINTHEGRASS festival, which was due to take place May 23, has been postponed to October. It will still be held at Darwin’s Mindil Beach.

“The date change reflects the Federal Government’s precautionary measures to slow down the spread of COVID-19,” organisers said in an official statement on March 18. “The original line-up is expected to remain largely the same, with the addition of some new, exciting acts.”

All tickets for the May date will remain valid for October, though Moshtix will supply refunds to those who are not able to make it.

BASSINTHEGRASS’ 2020 lineup, announced in February, includes Missy Higgins, Violent Soho, Peking Duk, Thelma Plum and more.

Melbourne International Jazz Festival

The Melbourne International Jazz Festival, which was due to run from May 29 to June 7, was cancelled on March 18.

An official statement read: “We share the disappointment of our audience and our artists that this decision had to be made – but feel it’s the right one. This decision has not been made lightly. The cancellation of so many events has a devastating impact on so many artists at all levels and cannot be overstated.

“The flow on effect of these cancellations is also felt by arts workers, casual staff in venues and the many suppliers who work to deliver the events we love.”

Read the full statement here.

Kwame

On March 18, Kwame’s ‘Please, Get Home Safe’ Tour of Australia was cancelled.

“With the recent developments surrounding COVID-19 we have no choice but to cancel the upcoming shows which were due to take place in venues over 500 cap,” a statement read.

The hip-hop artist was due to perform in Melbourne, Brisbane, Sydney and Fremantle from late March to early April.

“Tough times ahead that the world is facing right now,” Kwame wrote in an Instagram post announcing the tour’s cancellation. “We need to band together, be of support for one another and through all this stay calm. We will prevail.”

Bakers Eddy

Bakers Eddy have cancelled their Australian T-Shirt tour, which was scheduled to kick off in their hometown of Melbourne this Friday (March 20) and conclude in Perth on April 3.

In an Instagram statement on March 17, the band announced that after “a difficult few days of backwards and forwards” they have decided to pull the plug on their nationwide trek. “We’d like to thank all of you who brought tickets to the shows, it was teeing up to be our best tour yet so thank you so much for your support,” they wrote.

The Melbourne-based outfit promised they would return with brand-new dates later in the year and that there will be “fun stuff to come”. Ticketholders can request a refund at the point of purchase.

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Dream Theater

Dream Theater’s ‘Distance Over Time’ tour will be rescheduled from its original April run.

A statement was released on March 17 via tour promoter MJR Presents, who assured fans that the band “have every intention of performing this show for you as soon as we’re sure that the safety of our fans will no longer be compromised.”

“We are working right now to reschedule these dates”, the statement read, “and will follow up with more information as soon as we have it.”

“Thanks for your patience during this crisis. We wish you – and those around you – good health!”

Splendour In The Grass

On March 17, Splendour In The Grass announced that it has postponed its upcoming 20th anniversary celebrations from July to October, following the recent government ban on “non-essential” mass gatherings.

The three-day music festival, which is initially set to take place at North Byron Parklands from July 24 to 26, has been rescheduled to October 23 to 25. The organisers said that “after careful consideration and consultation with our artists, crew and stakeholders, in these unpredictable times we have decided, as a precautionary measure, to move Splendour In The Grass 2020 out of the winter months.” Splendour confirmed that its headliners and most of its acts will continue to perform at the new dates.

All tickets bought for the July date will still be valid for the new October dates. Meanwhile, ticketholders who can no longer attend the event can apply for a refund.

Groovin The Moo

On March 17, Groovin The Moo announced its cancellation due to the government-instituted public gatherings ban and “the uncertainty of these times”.

The three-weekend touring regional festival explained that it would not be able to reschedule its April and May dates to later in the year, “due to the uncertainty surrounding how long the ban will be in place for, along with the logistics involved with coordinating six venues across six states and territories to align with each other, and the schedules of both our National and International Artists”.

Ticketholders have the option of retaining their ticket for GTM 2021, or collecting a full refund.

Supergrass

Frontier Touring have announced that Supergrass – who were due to play the now-cancelled Groovin The Moo – will postpone their headlining dates in Australia.

The newly reunited British rock band will not play their April and May shows in Perth, Melbourne, Sydney, Wollongong and Brisbane. The new dates have not been confirmed. Stay tuned to Frontier Touring’s page for more details.

Dermot Kennedy

Irish singer-songwriter Dermot Kennedy has postponed his upcoming sold-out Australian tour, confirming that new dates will be announced soon.

Kennedy was set to tour Down Under from next month in support of his 2019 debut album, ‘Without Fear’. His stops included Sydney’s Enmore Theatre, The Fortitude Music Hall in Brisbane and Melbourne’s The Forum. He was also expected to play a one-night gig at Perth’s Astor Theatre.

In a Twitter statement on March 17, Kennedy said that all “original tickets will remain valid for the new dates”.

As people are probably expecting, due to the Coronavirus my upcoming U.K. and Australian tours will now be rescheduled. New dates will be coming soon. Your original tickets will remain valid for the new dates. pic.twitter.com/i3YyGnZaSP

— Dermot Kennedy (@DermotKennedy) March 16, 2020

Violent Femmes

On March 17, American folk-rock band Violent Femmes announced that their March 2020 tour of Australia would be postponed until November.

The band’s tour will now include a co-headlining show with veteran Australian band Sunnyboys, who will perform alongside the Femmes at Sandstone Point in Queensland.

All tickets purchased for the March dates remain valid for the late November and early December dates.

The band have also promised they will be adding additional shows to the tour, including Hobart – where expat bassist Brian Ritchie lives.

The National and Phoebe Bridgers

The National’s ‘I Am Easy To Find’ Australian tour has been rescheduled to this December.

The tour, which also features American singer-songwriter Phoebe Bridgers as support, was due to begin next week.

A statement from Handsome Tours on March 17 confirmed the news, with the band themselves adding the following:

“We have a responsibility to our dedicated audiences, to our amazing crew, to our families at home, and to ourselves to take precautions in the interest of health and safety”, they said.

“For this reason we have made the difficult decision to postpone our Australia and New Zealand performances with Phoebe Bridgers until December. We look forward to seeing you all at the end of the year.”

All tickets for the tour remain valid, however refunds are available until March 27 for those that cannot attend the new dates.

The new tour schedule also means that the tour will only have one stop in Sydney, at the ICC Sydney Theatre, as opposed to two. All tickets bought for both nights are valid for the new single Sydney date.

Jeff Martin

The Tea Party’s Jeff Martin has moved his upcoming Australia tour to later this year. New dates for the rescheduled shows have not yet been confirmed.

The Canadian guitarist confirmed the postponement in a Facebook statement on March 16, saying that he and his team are “currently working with our venues and have started to secure dates for later in the year”. He added, “We all need to consider each other’s health and well-being, and we must take this opportunity to use our energy toward positivity.”

Martin also urged fans to be patient during this critical time as “ticketing companies would be under immense customer service pressure”. “In the meantime, our hearts go out to all our fellow music industry brothers and sisters, including all our beloved venue partners, it’s going to be an immensely tough few months ahead.”

Eilen Jewell

Alt-country/Americana singer Eilen Jewell has postponed her Australian tour from its original dates to this November.

The tour was meant to begin this week at the Thornbury Theatre in Melbourne.

In a statement released on March 16 via Love Police, her promoter, Jewell professed her love for touring Australia and gave a positive outlook on her return.

“Whilst we are sad to not make the trek down to one of our favourite places to play, I’m sure people can appreciate and understand the decision has been made based on restrictions that have been put in place”, she said.

“We could have made the trip, but we can’t tour if we are in quarantine!”

“I’m very grateful that we have been able to re-schedule at such short notice. Let’s all try to sit this one out calmly, and I look forward to seeing you in November.”

Day On The Lawn

On March 16, Day On The Lawn festival announced it was cancelled. It was due to take place on March 21 at the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens. Boy & Bear, Meg Mac, Bootleg Rascal, Fulton Street and more were booked to perform.

“Cancelling Day on the Lawn is heartbreaking but the only decision possible to support the community’s efforts to slow the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19),” organisers said in a statement.

Day On The Lawn also took the opportunity to urge punters to abide by the government’s social distancing measures and support artists who have lost income due to event cancellations.

Organisers wrote, “Let’s not take risks, bunker down with your loved ones and stream your favourite music, go online and buy a new vinyl or T-shirt from your favourite band. Take this time to enrich your life by listening to their music, that always has brought us all so much joy.”

Meadow Festival

On March 16, Meadow Festival issued a statement confirming that the Bambara, Victoria festival had been cancelled as a result of COVID-19. Organisers will be in touch with ticketholders regarding refunds.

Festival director Cameron Wade wrote, “We are more than devastated but must respect the decision and direction of the Victorian State Government issued in this morning’s State Of Emergency declaration. We understand these measures are in the best interest of public health and safety.”

He added, “2020 has been an emotional rollercoaster that is struggling to find its way back up. Many small businesses in country areas have been battered by the impact of bushfires, a downturn in discretionary spending nationwide and now an insurmountable pandemic. A year of work. All our careful curation and planning to create something that brings joy to so many of our friends, family and punters has now upsettingly come unstuck.

“All things that go down, must eventually come up. Surely.”

This cancellation comes days after Meadow announced lineup changes in light of Frankie Cosmos’ withdrawal from the lineup. On March 12, Olympia and Vanessa Worm were announced as replacements.

Angie McMahon, Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever, Sheer Mag, Donny Benét, Dyson Stringer Cloher and more were due to play the festival from March 27-29.

Brunswick Music Festival

All remaining shows for Brunswick Music Festival 2020 have been cancelled by Moreland City Council, organisers announced on social media on March 16 at 2pm.

The message read, “Moreland Council is taking the necessary precautions to protect the wellbeing of our community, which is our number one priority.

“We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience and disappointment caused by the cancellation.”

Upcoming performances at Brunswick Music Festival that have been axed include those by Xylouris White (March 17), Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever (March 18) and Dyson Stringer Cloher (March 20). For the full list of impacted events, head to the festival’s official website.

All tickets will be automatically refunded.

Hayley Mary

Hayley Mary, the frontwoman for The Jezabels, has cancelled her upcoming solo shows Melbourne and Sydney as she is undergoing voluntary social distancing.

“I’ll be self-isolating for the recommended 14 days”, said Mary in a statement released social media on March 16, “due to my partner having recently returned from the UK.”

“We hope to announce rescheduled dates when more is certain about the future”, she continued. “Please take care of yourselves.”

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Sheer Mag

American hard rock band Sheer Mag announced on March 16 that their proposed Australian tour for late March would be postponed.

A statement provided by the tour’s promoter, Mistletone, says the band “look forward to coming back” for “a big proper sweaty and safe night of rock and roll.”

“In the meantime”, they concluded, “take care and wash your hands”.

With heavy hearts: we have sadly decided to postpone our upcoming shows in Australia and Japan. We look forward to coming back and having a big proper sweaty and safe night of rock and roll with you all soon. In the meantime, take care and wash your hands.
Love,
Sheer Mag

— Mistletone (@mistletone) March 16, 2020

Wide Open Space

Northern Territory festival Wide Open Space has been rescheduled for May 2021, after already taking a year off in 2019.

In a statement on March 16, the festival noted that their decision had “not been taken lightly”.

“The WOS team has a duty of care for our crew, audience and the broader Central Australian community which we take very seriously. We understand that if we were to proceed with the event, we could be exposing many people to potential infection and this would put undue pressure on the already limited health resources available in the region.”

“We are disappointed but, due to circumstances beyond our control, this is the best decision we can make at this time.”

The festival is offering refunds via its website.

Byron Bay Bluesfest

Bluesfest officially announced on March 16 that it will not take place as scheduled over the Easter weekend.

In a statement, Bluesfest Group of Companies executive chairman Peter Noble wrote, “It is obvious we will not be on this Easter. We are heartbroken as we believe we were presenting one of the best ever bills of talent for you.”

Noble said he had been “in discussions right through last week with every headliner”. “They ALL said they’re coming as long as nothing occurred to prevent them from doing so,” he wrote. “That is the level of commitment that our artists have, and I am proud of that.”

Bluesfest bowed out less than a week after it made a statement asserting that the festival would go ahead as planned on April 9-13 with extra safety measures. On Friday, March 13, Prime Minister Scott Morrison had advised a ban on non-essential public gatherings of more than 500 people, to which Bluesfest said it was “awaiting the official requirement from Federal and State authorities”.

In a later statement on Sunday, March 15, Bluesfest said that while in “constant communication with both State and Federal government”, it had “stated in the strongest manner that ‘advice’ was NOT a direction, and we needed the certainty by directive, followed by legislation, as soon as possible”.

It continued, “The government has now made a definitive statement, and have banned events, and require 14 days of self-isolation for everyone entering Australia. This is a matter that will greatly affect both our future at Bluesfest, as well as the entire Entertainment Industry.”

Vivid Sydney

Vivid Sydney has been cancelled for the first time in its history, Minister for Tourism Stuart Ayres announced on March 15. It was scheduled to run from May 22 to June 13 at various locations around Greater Sydney.

“Vivid Sydney is a bright star of Sydney’s event calendar so the decision to cancel was not taken lightly. As the event owner, we must follow the advice of health officials to ensure the health and safety of our citizens and everyone involved with Vivid Sydney”, he said.

The Darkness

The Darkness announced on March 15 that they are cancelling their remaining shows in Australia and New Zealand.

That day, the British rockers played their final show in the region, at The Gov in Adelaide. The cancelled dates are their gigs in Melbourne (March 17 at 170 Russell), Brisbane (March 18 at The Tivoli) and Auckland (March 20 at Powerstation).

“It breaks our collective heart to cancel the remaining three shows with you guys, but destiny has been ripped from our grasp,” the band wrote in a social media statement.

“Keep safe, be good to each other and know that we fucking love you guys!”

Big Pineapple Music Festival

The Sunshine Coast-based Big Pineapple Music Festival has postponed from its late May date until October.

In a press statement on March 13, the festival announced that they would be moving the festival to later in 2020, as per their plans.

“We have been working on contingency plans in case this happened and want to reassure you all the festival will go ahead but on a new date in early October”, they said.

“Any tickets purchased for the original date will be valid for the new date or if you can’t make it, you’ll be able to apply for a refund.”

“We want to thank you for your amazing support and can’t wait to see you.”

Download Festival

Though Download Festival told NME Australia on March 10 that it would go ahead as planned in Sydney and Melbourne, the heavy music fest ultimately announced its cancellation on March 13 after newly reunited headliners My Chemical Romance postponed their appearances in both Australia and New Zealand (after postponing their Japan tour the day before).

The festival announced the decision to cancel was made as it would not be able to secure a replacement headliner and “deliver a complete line-up to meet the standard that Download fans both expect and deserve”.

Download organisers say they will continue to work with both My Chemical Romance and fellow performers Deftones to schedule separate headline shows later in the year.

2020 Australian Grand Prix

Formula 1 has cancelled “all activity” for the 2020 Australian Grand Prix, which besides the race itself includes the live music event AusGP Sessions, which was debuted this year.

AusGP Sessions kicked off on March 12 and was set to run until March 15. The remaining three days have been axed. Set to perform were Peking Duk, Client Liaison, Bad Raiders, CXLOE, Tigerlily and more.

Formula 1 pulled the plug on the Australian GP on March 13, a day after a member of the McLaren Racing team tested positive for the coronavirus.

Robbie Williams

Robbie Williams cancelled his Melbourne show, scheduled for March 14, as part of the inaugural World Tour Melbourne event, which coincided with the now-axed 2020 Australian Grand Prix. Williams was set to perform alongside with Pete Murray and Seb Fontaine in his only Australia performance of 2020.

Tour promoter TEG Dainty announced the cancellation on their social media, hours after the cancellation of the 2020 Australian Grand Prix. “Following on from the decision of Formula 1 […] World Tour’s show on Saturday 14th March with Robbie Williams is cancelled,” the statement read.

Williams has yet to release a public statement regarding the concert’s cancellation.

Jimmy Eat World

Following Scott Morrison’s non-essential public gatherings ban, Promoters Frontier Touring and Chugg Entertainment cancelled Jimmy Eat World’s Australian tour on March 13, along with a slew of other shows. The band were set to play sideshows from the now-axed Download Festival in Perth, Brisbane and Adelaide beginning on March 16.

March tours from Kip Moore, Introducing Nashville, Miranda Lambert and Seafort are also cancelled. Ticketholders will be contacted directly with refund information.

New Order

New Order cancelled one of their two Melbourne shows, after a confused rollout of information in the wake of Scott Morrison’s public gatherings ban. The dance outfit broke the news late on March 13 that their March 15 show at The Forum would not be going ahead. In a statement, they said their Sidney Myer Music Bowl show on March 14 would go ahead, with concertgoers “encouraged to take responsibility for their own health and wellbeing”.

“If you are not feeling well, please don’t attend the concert,” they wrote.

“We do not cancel shows but these are exceptional times. We apologise wholeheartedly to all our loyal fans who rushed out to buy tickets for The Forum show.”

Refunds for The Forum show will be available from the point of purchase.

Under the Southern Stars

Under The Southern Stars festival, whose 2020 lineup was to feature Live, Bush and Stone Temple Pilots, announced its postponement from April 2020 to February and March 2021.

“In light of the current global health crisis, we feel that it is imperative to protect the Under The Southern Stars family and proceed in a clear and calm manner,” festival promoter Andrew McManus wrote in a statement.

Anthems Festival

Anthems Festival, which was due to take place at Canberra’s Commonwealth Park on March 28, announced its cancellation on March 13. Icehouse were due to headline, alongside The Temper Trap, the newly reunited Rogue Traders, Eskimo Joe and more.

In a statement, promoters wrote: “Although we don’t like what’s happening to our live music and arts industry as a result of this panic, to proceed when there is so much uncertainty in the market could affect the viability of the event for the Canberran community in the future.”

No Coal Zone with Jamie xx, The Avalanches

A climate change benefit concert featuring Jamie xx and The Avalanches was postponed on March 13. Called ‘No Coal Zone’, it was due to take place on Saturday, March 14 at Sydney’s Hordern Pavilion.

A new date has yet to be announced. Also set to appear were The Midnight Juggernauts, who would be making their first public appearance and performance in almost six years, Heaps Gay and Friends, Ptwiggs and DeepFaith.

Pixies

After playing two shows in Melbourne, on March 12 Pixies announced that they would be postponing the remainder of their Australian tour. They were due to perform five more shows in Brisbane, Sydney and Perth. “This was an extremely difficult decision, but the well-being of our fans is always our top priority,” they wrote in a statement.

Live Nation is working to reschedule the shows to later in the year. Fans should retain their tickets as they will be honoured on the new dates, the band noted.

Frankie Cosmos

Frankie Cosmos have postponed their upcoming tour of Australia and New Zealand. “To say that we’re bummed out is an enormous understatement,” they wrote in a statement on March 12. “We’re gonna try our best to come back as soon as possible!”

The announcement means the band will no longer be playing Meadow Music Festival. The festival will go ahead, with Frankie Cosmos replaced by Australian artists Olympia and Vanessa Worm.

Frankie Cosmos were also due to play shows in Fremantle, Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane, plus Auckland and Wellington in NZ. They announced their tour, in support of their latest album ‘Close It Quietly’, in January.

Dark Mofo

Dark Mofo, the festival that was due to kick off in Hobart, Tasmania come June, announced on March 11 that it would not be going ahead this year. In a lengthy statement, organiser David Walsh explained the decision to axe the event. “We’re killing Dark Mofo for the year,” he wrote. “I know that will murder an already massacred tourism environment, but I feel like I have no choice (hint: that means I have a choice).”

That said, headliner Bon Iver’s sold-out performances on June 12 and 13 will still continue as planned. Other artists set for this year’s Dark Mofo program will be moved to 2021.

Aitch

UK rapper Aitch announced on March 11 that he was rescheduling his Australia and New Zealand tour dates, “due to increasing uncertainty around international travel due to coronavirus”. He was due to kick off the trek in Sydney on March 18.

Aitch’s tour has been pushed back to October. The venues for his shows in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane have also been upgraded.

Miley Cyrus

On March 11, Miley Cyrus announced she would no longer travel to Australia to headline a bushfire benefit concert in Melbourne on March 13. The pop star had been advised by Australian authorities not to travel so as “to reduce potential health risks in response to the current global health crisis”.

As a result, the Lakeside Stadium concert – which Lil Nas X, The Veronicas and Seb Fontaine were also due to play – was cancelled.

Lacuna Coil

Italian band Lacuna Coil cancelled a slew of tour dates on March 2 in light of the coronavirus outbreak in their home region of Lombardia, Italy. The gothic metal band were due to play their only Australian shows of 2020 at Download Festival on March 20 and 21. “While cancelling is heartbreaking for us, everyone’s health and safety must come first and this includes our fans,” they wrote in a statement.

Ability Festival

Ability Festival cancelled its 2020 event on March 13, just an hour prior to the announcement of Scott Morrison’s non-essential public gatherings ban. Organiser Dylan Alcott broke the news in a video on his Instagram yesterday afternoon, saying he was “absolutely bloody gutted”, as it his “favourite day of the year”.

The inclusive charity festival was set to feature What So Not in one of his last shows before he goes on hiatus, as well as rockers The Preatures, SAFIA and Seth Sentry when it went down in Melbourne on April 1. Alcott notes that as 100% of the festival proceeds go to disability charities, all unrefunded tickets still go to a good cause. The festival is slated to return for 2021.

Wine Machine

Following the announcement of Scott Morrison’s public gatherings ban on March 13, Wine Machine Festival postponed its WA, ACT and VIC events to October. The festival said it would would forge ahead with its Hunter Valley leg set on March 14, as it is within the ban’s grace period before taking effect on March 16. Wine Machine broke the news in a statement on their social media.

“At the direction of the State and National authorities we must sadly confirm the rescheduling of the ACT, VIC & WA Wine Machine events due to global coronavirus concerns,” they wrote.

The rescheduled Wine Machine dates for Swan Valley, Canberra, and Yarra Valley will now take place on October 17, 24 and 31 respectively. The lineup features Hot Dub Time Machine, Jungle Giants, Northeast Party House, Bag Raiders and The Naked and the Famous.

Fat White Family

English band Fat White Family postponed their Australia tour in February as the coronavirus outbreak in China had interrupted their tour routing for the year.

“We’re all pretty bummed about that, have never played most of those places and how often do you get a chance to hit Australia?!” the band wrote. “Our manager and booker and the other folks that [gave] birth to these logistical miracles are working through the night searching for solutions. Later this year hopefully. Onwards!”

Fat White Family were due to play headline shows in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne, plus a set at Wollongong’s Farmer and the Owl Festival, where they were replaced by Sunshine Coast trio The Chats.

Vivid Sydney

Sydney’s annual “light, music & ideas” festival, Vivid, is cancelled for 2020. Minister for Tourism, Stuart Ayres, broke the news on Sunday (March 15), citing Coronavirus as the reason for the festival’s cancellation.

“Vivid Sydney is a bright star of Sydney’s event calendar so the decision to cancel was not taken lightly. As the event owner, we must follow the advice of health officials to ensure the health and safety of our citizens and everyone involved with Vivid Sydney,” Mr Ayres said.

“We are currently working through the full implications of the cancellation and will provide further information and advice as soon as it’s available.”

Boys Like Girls

Pop-punk outift Boys Like Girls announced on March 19 that they have rescheduled their April tour to September. The Boston band had been due to make their first appearances here for nearly a decade, performing their cult classic self-titled debut album in full.

Florida rock outfit The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus are still slated to support Boys Like Girls on all the new Australian tour dates. All existing tickets for the original dates will remain valid for the new shows in September.

Info on the news tour dates can be found here.