Great Southern Nights gets the show back on the road

The NSW Government via its tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW, in partnership with the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA), launched Great Southern Nights today at one of Sydney’s favourite live music venues, Oxford Art Factory, alongside feature artist Crooked Colours.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said getting the show back on the road would help put the beat back into our regional communities. 

“Many of the Great Southern Nights gigs will be staged across regional NSW, which will be a huge boost for regional economies and a great opportunity for fans to see their favourite artists perform live,” Mr Toole said.

Minister for Enterprise, Investment and Trade, Minister for Tourism and Sport, and Minister for Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said Great Southern Nights would help kick start the State’s entertainment and hospitality industries.

“I encourage everyone to check the gig guide and enjoy a night out to show support for all the musicians, roadies and businesses that have done it tough over the past two years. Let's get the show back on the road,” Mr Ayres said.

Tonight’s performers include Thirsty Merc, The Church and The Veronicas, with Amy Shark, Adam Harvey and Confidence Man also taking the stage across the State over the weekend.

ARIA CEO Annabelle Herd said Great Southern Nights would help the music industry get back to doing what they love and do best - putting on shows and getting people out to experience the joy of live music again.

“Great Southern Nights will reignite the NSW live music scene after an extraordinarily challenging time for the industry. ARIA is proud to be playing an integral part in this vital initiative at this much needed time. It’s shaping up to be a huge celebration of Australian music,” Ms Herd said.

Crooked Colours lead singer Phil Slabber said the band was excited to be taking the stage for Great Southern Nights, for the first time without restrictions in two years.

“The last few years have been incredibly difficult. We have fortunately been able to use the time to write and record new music, but for our team and crew that rely so heavily on performance income it has been truly devastating,” Mr Slabber said.

“We are looking forward to this show with Great Southern Nights, which will be our first unrestricted headline show in over two years, so it will be a very special moment for us.”

Great Southern Nights takes place across Sydney and NSW from 18 March to 10 April.

See the full gig guide and ticket information at greatsouthernnights.com.au