Overview
A global pandemic, lengthy international border closures and postponements galore have left Melbourne's events calendar looking pretty slim these past two years. But as they say, the show must go on — and indeed, finally, there are some very exciting things in the works for our arts and performance scene.
Not least of which is the launch of a brand new state-wide contemporary music celebration, dubbed Always Live.
Coming in hot this year as the second cultural addition to Victoria's 2022 Major Events programming (the other being arts fest Rising), Always Live is set to deliver a blockbuster offering of music events that'll have people visiting from far and wide.
The globally significant celebration will kick off with a bang, too — as a sneak-peek at what's to come, it's hosting a one-off Foo Fighters concert at Geelong's GMHBA Stadium on Friday, March 4. The 12-time Grammy Award-winning US rockers will be joined by local legends Amyl & The Sniffers and The Meanies, in what's set to be the most significant gig regional Victoria has ever seen. You can nab tickets here from February 25.
Later in the year, we'll score a look at the full Always Live program, which is set to cement the state's status as an international music destination. Expect a bumper lineup of homegrown talent, Aussie music stars and overseas heavyweights, across a jam-packed offering of intimate gigs, stadium shows and everything in between.
Always Live marks the realisation of a long-held dream of late Aussie music icon Michael Gudinski AM, the event chaired by son Matt Gudinski.
"Always Live was a passion project for my dad to ensure Victoria continued to be recognised as the music capital of Australia, and Melbourne as one of the leading music cities in the world," he said in a statement. "I'm honoured to be part of now making it a reality at a time when the live music scene needs all the support it can get. I know Dad would be very proud to see the event launched and form a major part of re-establishing a thriving live music scene."
The full Always Live program will be revealed mid 2022, but you can check out the website for more info in the meantime. The Always Live Foo Fighters concert will hit GMHBA Stadium on March 4, with tickets on sale from 12pm on February 25.