The Wailers and The Pogues Confirm Australian Tours Despite Bluesfest Cancellation

Despite the abrupt cancellation of Bluesfest 2026, two iconic bands – The Wailers and The Pogues – have confirmed they will proceed with their planned Australian tours. The announcements follow similar commitments from Sublime and Counting Crows, offering reassurance to fans after the Easter festival’s collapse.

The Wailers Announce East Coast Dates

The Wailers will embark on a series of intimate East Coast dates, presented by Noisy Group, across Gosford, Sydney, Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour and Brunswick Heads throughout the Easter weekend. A previously scheduled Melbourne show has been removed from the itinerary. Billboard reports this tour coincides with the 50th anniversary of Bob Marley’s landmark album, Rastaman Vibration, released in 1976.

Rastaman Vibration marked a commercial breakthrough for reggae in the United States, peaking at No. 8 on the Billboard 200 – the first Bob Marley release to reach the top 10. The album spawned the single “Roots, Rock, Reggae,” Marley’s only song to appear on the Billboard Hot 100.

The Wailers are currently led by Aston Barrett Jr., son of the legendary bassist Aston “Familyman” Barrett, and vocalist Mitchell Brunings.

The Pogues Add Brisbane Show

The Pogues have also confirmed their Australian and New Zealand tour will continue as planned. They have added a new show in Brisbane at Fortitude Music Hall on April 2. Tickets for this show will go on sale Monday, March 23 at 10 a.m. AEST via Ticketmaster. The Music confirms the tour celebrates the 40th anniversary of their acclaimed 1985 album, Rum, Sodomy & the Lash.

The touring lineup includes original members James Fearnley, Jem Finer, and Spider Stacy, alongside Daragh Lynch, Iona Zajac, John Francis Flynn, and Lisa O’Neill.

Financial Concerns Following Bluesfest Collapse

The confirmations come as concerns grow regarding the financial impact of Bluesfest’s cancellation on international touring acts. Counting Crows frontman Adam Duritz recently cautioned that many artists may not have received upfront payments for their festival appearances, potentially jeopardizing their entire Australian tours. Billboard reported on these concerns.

Bluesfest, originally scheduled for April 2–5 at Byron Events Farm, was cancelled on March 13 due to rising costs and decreased ticket sales, with a liquidator appointed to manage financial matters.