- Published:
- Monday 21 August 2023
Local and international superstars are set to headline Victoria’s biggest celebration of live music, as the Andrews Labor Government today unveiled the first tranche of artists for the 2023 ALWAYS LIVE program.
Premier Daniel Andrews and Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos joined ALWAYS LIVE Director Matt Gudinski today to unveil the program, which will see Christina Aguilera, Eric Prydz, Peter Garrett and Jessie Ware packing out venues across the city, suburbs and regions from 24 November to 10 December.
The inaugural ALWAYS LIVE in 2022 delivered more than $80 million to the Victorian economy, attracting thousands of visitors to the nation’s home of live music.
So far, this year's program features more than 60 events over 17 days including stadium shows, exclusive gigs, and intimate performances from more than 165 artists – with more announcements to come.
The opening weekend will kick off with a bang when six-time Grammy Award-winning artist Christina Aguilera performs for one night only at Flemington Racecourse on Saturday, 25 November.
Swedish DJ and Producer Eric Prydz will attract electronic music lovers from across Australia and New Zealand for an exclusive show at Rod Laver Arena, as he delivers his internationally acclaimed 3D visual show, HOLO.
Midnight Oil frontman Peter Garrett and his band The Alter Egos will play at the Wangaratta Arts Centre, and Cosmic Psychos will celebrate their 40th anniversary over three nights at Castlemaine’s Theatre Royal.
Inclusive outdoor music festival Summer Camp will return, headlined by UK disco queen Jessie Ware and US musician and drag powerhouse DJ Trixie Mattel, alongside other events across the suburbs.
Curated by Tones and I, Music In the Park will feature local superstars The Cat Empire, The Veronicas, Budjerah, KAIIT, The Pierce Brothers and more together at Mornington Park for a day-long festival for the whole family.
Amyl and the Sniffers will perform with Dumb Punts in Meeniyan, Ballarat, Frankston, Warrnambool, Torquay, Wodonga and Thornbury with local artists given the chance to open each show.
ALWAYS LIVE delivers on the promises the Labor Government made to Victorians at the 2018 and 2022 elections – and is backed by $20 million in the Victorian Budget 2023/24 to continue to secure the biggest international and local acts across the state.
The Budget also included $7.5 million for the Live Music Performers Fund, which backs thousands of Victorian musicians and artists to pack venues across the state and perform 10,000 gigs over the next four years.
The program of free and ticketed events is available at alwayslive.com.au, with huge additional acts to be announced in the coming months.
Quote attributable to Premier Daniel Andrews
“ALWAYS LIVE’s 2023 program offers something for everyone – it’s set to fill venues across Victoria, attract visitors and boost business while celebrating our state’s outstanding music and events industry.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos
“We’re supporting this epic statewide music festival to deliver unforgettable events and unique experiences that can only be found in the live music capital – Victoria.”
Quote attributable to ALWAYS LIVE Director Matt Gudinski
“An event like ALWAYS LIVE is what makes our great city what it is. The ALWAYS LIVE program ensures Victoria remains the music capital of Australia and will deliver a host of unique and exclusive experiences across 17 days.”