The Cruel Sea will headline Blues on Broadbeach 2025 on the Gold Coast

Blues on Broadbeach first line-up announced

The first wave of artists includes a dynamic blend of legendary acts and emerging stars:

The Cruel Sea
Eli Paperboy Reed
Diesel
Steph Strings
Bondi Cigars
The Harlem Gospel Travelers
The Meltdown
Stefan Hauk
Queenie
Pete Cornelius
Rod Paine & The Fulltime Lovers
Sammy Owen Blues Band
Scott Browne
Beretta and Sullivan
Rhiannon Simpson
Alphastomp
Majelen
Don Hopkins
Jamie Lamont
Billy K Blues Band

+ more to be announced!

Festival Director Mark Duckworth says: “The 2025 lineup is the perfect celebration of Australia’s blues heritage, alongside an exciting mix of new talent, blending together into our massive program.”

“We’re also stoked to host the soulful energy of international guests Eli Paperboy Reed and the recently Grammy-nominated Harlem Gospel Travelers here on the Gold Coast, and know they’ll bring something special to the Blues on Broadbeach stages.”

Blues on Broadbeach is also committed to showcasing the next generation of blues talent.

Fans will be introduced to rising stars like Steph Strings, whose vibrant fingerstyle guitar is enriched with Celtic, folk, and blues influences.

Adelaide’s Stefan Hauk will captivate audiences with his blues-rock grooves, while Melbourne’s bold and charismatic Queenie brings her soulful flair to the stage.

Stars share their enthusiasm

“I’m truly honoured to be one of the headliners at the iconic Blues on Broadbeach, sharing the stage with some phenomenal local and international artists. I can’t wait to spend time on the beautiful Gold Coast, reconnecting with my Australian fans. This time, I’m bringing my all-new show featuring the incredible Harlem Gospel Travelers, and I promise, it’s going to be a weekend to remember!” – Eli Paperboy Reed

“After spending so much of the year on the road across Europe and Canada, I’m so excited to come back to the Gold Coast and perform at Blues on Broadbeach. It’s going to be great to feel the east coast sun again! I can’t wait!” – Steph Strings

About the bands

One of the most anticipated acts of the festival is The Cruel Sea, an iconic Australian alternative band whose gritty blues, swamp rock, and hypnotic grooves have captivated fans since the late ‘80s. Known for their ARIA-winning tracks and albums like The Honeymoon’s Over, they’ll also be treating fans to live performances of new music from their upcoming album Straight Into The Sun, set to release in March 2025.

Soul sensation Eli Paperboy Reed will return to Australia, bringing his powerful, heartfelt sound and fiery live performances. With nine critically acclaimed albums under his belt, Reed is one of today’s most compelling soul artists. He’ll also be joined on stage by the Grammy-nominated Harlem Gospel Travelers, a New York-based trio whose gospel-infused soul and funk promise to bring a fresh energy to Broadbeach.

Australian blues-rock legend Diesel will add to the festival’s power-packed lineup, delivering his signature guitar riffs and soulful vocals. Diesel’s award-winning career, which includes ARIA hits like Hepfidelity and The Lobbyist, makes him a perennial favourite among blues fans. Meanwhile, Bondi Cigars—with over three decades of blending blues, soul, funk, and R&B—are set to bring their infectious energy back to the festival.

Blues on Broadbeach, May 15-18, 2025

While Blues on Broadbeach remains a free festival, an exclusive pre-sale for Twelve Bar Society members will open at 9am AEST on Monday, 9 December, through Oztix.

Tickets for the general public will be available from 9am AEST on Tuesday, 10 December via Oztix.

For more information: https://bluesonbroadbeach.com.