Split Enz Reunite as Bluesfest 2026 Reveals First Wave
Bluesfest 2026 Unveils First Wave of Artists, With Split Enz Reuniting After 20 Years
Bluesfest has revealed the first wave of artists for Bluesfest 2026, and it’s a major one. Returning to the Byron Events Farm over the Easter long weekend, 2–5 April 2026, the festival’s 37th edition is already shaping up as one of its most significant yet.
Leading the announcement is the long-awaited reunion of Split Enz, who will perform their first show in more than 20 years. Original members Tim Finn and Neil Finn - who later formed Crowded House - will be joined on stage by Noel Crombie, Eddie Rayner, Matt Eccles and James Milne, bringing their unmistakable art-rock catalogue back to life for a new generation.
Also making the journey to Byron Bay are Earth, Wind & Fire, returning to Australia with their timeless funk and soul anthems including September, Let’s Groove and Boogie Wonderland. The Grammy-winning group last appeared at Bluesfest in 2012 and remain one of the most influential live acts of all time.
In another landmark moment, Sublime will perform in Australia for the first time ever. The Californian ska-punk icons will deliver a set spanning classic tracks like What I Got alongside newer material such as Ensenada, continuing the band’s legacy with renewed energy.
Bluesfest has dropped its first 2026 lineup, led by Split Enz’s first performance in more than 20 years, alongside Earth, Wind & Fire, Sublime, Buddy Guy and more.
The first announcement also confirms the return of The Black Crowes, bringing their Southern rock swagger back to Bluesfest, while Counting Crows add their poetic, era-defining songwriting to the bill, alongside the return of Blues royalty Buddy Guy.
“Who would have thought we’d see Buddy Guy return? When the opportunity came to present him again - well, I took it.”
Also announced are Mental As Anything, Xavier Rudd, The Living End, The Pogues, Marcus King Band, Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band, Taj Farrant, Nik West, Angelique Francis, Roshani, Chain, Robert Randolph, and many more, spanning blues, rock, soul, folk and roots. A special highlight will see Talking Heads’ Jerry Harrison team up with King Crimson’s Adrian Belew to perform Remain in Light in full, backed by an 11-piece band.
Alongside the lineup reveal, Noble has confirmed several site improvements for 2026, following logistical challenges experienced in 2025. These include a larger main stage footprint, new seating zones, undercover areas for campers and deck chairs, and expanded bus services to more areas, responding directly to audience feedback.
“Our main stage will have a bigger venue footprint, new seating zones and undercover areas for campers and deck chairs - both indoor and outdoor. Plus, we’re adding more buses to more areas, responding directly to what our audience has asked for.”
More artists are expected to be announced in the coming months.
With legendary reunions, first-time Australian performances and a renewed focus on festival experience, Bluesfest 2026 is already set to be a standout Easter in Byron Bay.