As Bluesfest prepares for its monumental 2025 edition, the third artist announcement introduces another stellar wave of talent to the already stacked lineup. Headlined by the iconic Missy Higgins, this announcement delivers a dynamic mix of Blues, Roots, and Soul artists from around the globe. From international legends like George Thorogood & The Destroyers and Rodrigo y Gabriela to festival exclusives like Melody Angel, Bluesfest 2025 continues to prove why it’s Australia’s premier music event.

This latest lineup underscores Bluesfest’s commitment to delivering both international and local artists, blending the best of contemporary music with a nod to the festival’s rich Blues and Roots heritage.

THIRD ARTIST ANNOUNCEMENT

Missy Higgins
George Thorogood & The Destroyers
Rodrigo y Gabriela
Nahko
BJ The Chicago Kid
Melody Angel EXCLUSIVE
Don West

Missy Higgins headlines this wave of announcements with her deeply personal and chart-topping repertoire. Over her 20-year career, Missy has won hearts worldwide with hits like “Scar,” “Ten Days,” and “The Special Two.” Her 2024 album The Second Act revisits the confessional songwriting of her iconic debut album The Sound of White and is already creating a buzz with sold-out tour dates and critical acclaim. Missy’s return to Bluesfest promises a set that spans her extraordinary career, blending timeless hits with introspective new material.

Adding a high-octane element to the lineup, George Thorogood & The Destroyers bring their legendary Blues-rock anthems to the Bluesfest stage. With classics like “Bad to the Bone” and “One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer,” Thorogood has cemented his place as a global icon of the genre. Expect electrifying guitar riffs, raw vocals, and a rock-and-roll attitude that has thrilled audiences for decades.

Internationally renowned guitar duo Rodrigo y Gabriela are set to deliver their breathtaking blend of rock, and classical guitar virtuosity. From humble beginnings busking on the streets of Dublin to headlining major venues like the Sydney Opera House and Glastonbury, the Grammy-winning pair have redefined what two guitars can achieve. Their latest project, In Between Thoughts… A New World, sees them expand their sound with orchestral arrangements, promising an awe-inspiring performance at Bluesfest.

Singer-songwriter Nahko returns to share his uplifting and transformative music. Marking a new chapter in his career with his seventh album, Trenches, Nahko combines intimate storytelling with a sound that transcends borders and genres. His live shows are more than concerts—they are communal experiences, inviting fans into a world of connection and shared emotion.

Also joining the lineup is BJ The Chicago Kid, whose Grammy-nominated soul music has captivated audiences with its gospel-infused vocals and heartfelt lyrics. Known for collaborations with stars like Kendrick Lamar and Chance The Rapper, BJ’s blend of classic soul and modern R&B is guaranteed to move and inspire.

In an exclusive festival performance, Melody Angel will showcase her powerful voice and Hendrix-inspired guitar skills. Hailed as a rising star of Blues, Melody’s performances channel the energy of her Chicago Blues Roots and the charisma of icons like Tina Turner. With appearances on NPR’s Tiny Desk and glowing reviews from critics, Melody Angel’s set will be a must-see for Blues enthusiasts.

Rounding out this announcement is the soulful sound of Don West, whose coastal soul stylings have been likened to legends like Marvin Gaye and Curtis Mayfield. With tracks like “Rather Be Lonely” and “Small Change,” Don has earned global acclaim and five-star reviews, promising a smooth and heartfelt performance at Bluesfest 2025.

About Bluesfest Byron Bay

Bluesfest Byron Bay has been Australia’s premier contemporary Blues, Roots, and Beyond music festival since 1990. What started as a humble celebration of Blues & Roots music has grown into one of the most significant music festivals in the world. Of our many awards being recognized in the top 10 music festivals of the world from Pollstar, demonstrates the significance of this festival not just locally but around the world.

Over the years, the festival has hosted an incredible array of iconic artists, including Blues legends like BB King and Buddy Guy, music legends such as Santana, James Brown, Bob Dylan, Mavis Staples, Paul Simon, Bonnie Rait and Robert Plant, and contemporary greats like Dave Matthews Band, Lauryn Hill, Erykah Badu, John Mayer, Mary J Blige, and Kendrick Lamar, who made his first festival appearance in Australia at Bluesfest. Let’s not forget the amazing Australian artists that have played such as Cold Chisel, Midnight Oil, Kasey Chambers and Crowded House and so many more.

Bluesfest 2025 will be a four-day event, offering a power-packed experience that will close the curtain on this legendary institution. Held over the Easter long weekend from April 17 to 20, 2025, at the beautiful 300-acre Byron Events Farm, just 11km north of Byron Bay, the festival will continue to uphold its commitment to quality, featuring multiple stages and a diverse lineup that spans the best in Blues, Roots Music, and Beyond.

Recognised globally for its excellence, Bluesfest has earned numerous accolades, making it the most awarded music festival in the Australian entertainment industry including wining Gold for Best Major Festival in the NSW Tourism awards for Bluesfest 2024.

Awards include:

1 WIN at the Keeping the Blues Alive Award Memphis for Bluesfest Director Peter Noble
10 WINS at the NSW Tourism Awards for Major Festivals and Events including Gold for Bluesfest 2024 (7 Gold, 3 Silver)
Induction into the NSW Tourism Awards Hall of Fame in 2019 for three wins a row.
8 WINS at the North Coast Tourism Awards for Major Festivals & Events
4 WINS at the Helpmann Awards for Best Contemporary Music Festival (Ceremony for Australia’s most talented and celebrated performers and industry)
1 WIN at the Helpmann Awards for Best International Contemporary Concert
8 WINS at the Australian Event Awards for  Best Cultural & Music and Event of The Year
6 NOMINATIONS for NSW for Major Festivals & Events at the Australian Tourism Awards (2 Silver, 1 Bronze)
10 NOMINATIONS at the Pollstar Awards (USA) for International Festival of the Year  (No other Australian Festival nominated in this or last decade)
1 WIN at the Pollstar Awards (USA) for International Festival of the Decade with a top 10 finish in 2021.
1 WIN at the first Variety Awards for Festival of the Year – Bluesfest 2024