HELLO SUNSHINE TURNS UP THE HEAT FOR MELBOURNE + GOLD COAST IN 2025 WITH STONE TEMPLE PILOTS, SMASH MOUTH, WOLFMOTHER, KASEY CHAMBERS, ROGUE TRADERS, DRAPHT, BLUEY, LENNY PEARCE, WHISTLE & TRICK
Say hello to 2025 and get set to soak up some summer vibes; Melbourne’s biggest family-friendly music and food event Hello Sunshine will return next March for an unforgettable celebration of music, tasty treats and endless entertainment. An all-ages event that caters to diehard music fans, parents, kids, foodies and everyone in between, Hello Sunshine’s 2025 edition features a bumper lineup for the ages, including performances from Stone Temple Pilots, Smash Mouth, Wolfmother, Kasey Chambers, Rogue Traders, Drapht, an extra special Bluey live show and meet & greet, Lenny Pearce and Whistle & Trick.
Off the back of two successful years in Melbourne that saw over 10,000 punters each year soaking up live music, amusement park rides, markets and food stalls, next year’s Hello Sunshine edition will not only return to Victoria for a third time; it will also launch into Australia’s very own Sunshine State, with Hello Sunshine 2025 set to kick off at Caribbean Gardens in Melbourne on Saturday March 1, before heading up to the Gold Coast’s Broadwater Parklands on Saturday March 8.
Tickets for Hello Sunshine go onsale to the general public on Friday September 6 at 9am AEST from www.hellosunshinefest.com.au. Fans can register for presale tickets now from www.hellosunshinefest.com.au, with a 24 hour presale kicking off on Thursday September 5 at 9am AEST.
Rock royalty will descend on Melbourne and the Gold Coast in 2025, with legendary California rockers Stone Temple Pilots set to headline both Hello Sunshine events in March. Forming in the late 80s, STPcatapulted to fame in 1992 following the release of their debut album Core, going on to be certified 8 x Platinum, snagging the quartet a Grammy Award for the monster hit Plush, and garnering the band the enviable status of being one of the most successful bands of the 90s. Now with eight studio albums in their wake, millions of sales and streams, countless global tours and a legacy for evolution, Stone Temple Pilots return to perform for Australian audiences for the first time in over two decades in 2025 as part of Hello Sunshine.
American rockers Smash Mouth are no strangers to adding sunny retro ska-soaked pop into their alt-rock earworms. First turning heads in 1997 via their infectious debut single Walkin’ on the Sun, Smash Mouthwent on to smash headfirst into mainstream success with their 1999 sophomore album Astro Lounge, spawning one of their most iconic tracks All Star that has helped shaped multiple pop culture moments, from films through to TV sync and sporting events. Hailing from San Hose in California, Smash Mouthmost recently released their eighth studio album, the Christmas-themed Missile Toes in 2023, and have toured extensively for the past few decades alongside everyone from Macklemore through to Spin Doctors, UB40 and Belinda Carlisle. “Australia has got to be one of the coolest places to play,” says Smash Mouth ahead of returning down under for Hello Sunshine in 2025. “The people there know how to party! We are so excited to head back to Australia to perform at the Hello Sunshine Festival in March. It’s going to be amazing. Summertime! Outdoor Festival! Australia! Yes Please!”
Iconic Australian hard rockers Wolfmother are no strangers to a festival setting, having performed at the likes of Big Day Out, Reading and Leeds and Lollapalooza over the years, and most recently completing a huge festival run in Europe and the UK. In 2025, they will once again grace Aussie festival stages as part of Hello Sunshine, bringing their brand of timeless rock’n’roll that has endured since the band’s inception in 2004. Helmed by Andrew Stockdale, Wolfmother has previously taken home a Grammy Award, as well as three ARIA Awards alongside additional nominations, toured relentlessly and consistently balanced modern and classic rock while proudly flying the flag for Australian music.
One of the country’s most beloved country music artists, Kasey Chambers never fails to enamour with her heartfelt lyricism and world-class artistry. In command of 14 ARIA Awards, Chambers was also inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame in 2018, making her the youngest female to ever receive the honour. Alongside an astonishing career that has also seen her reach #1 on the ARIA Albums Chart five times and find her performing both her own acclaimed headline shows as well as performances with Cold Chisel, Bernard Fanning and James Taylor along the way, Chambers also recently released a brand new single Backbone (The Desert Child), and is also set to release a new album Backbone on October 4 along with her brand new book Just Don’t Be A D**khead.
Blending pop and rock influenced electronic dance wizardry, Australia’s Rogue Traders changed the game in the early 2000s, generating several top 20 ARIA Singles Charts hits, with their dynamic breakout 2009 album Here Come the Drums gifting the smash single Voodoo Child that also generated international chart success and spawned a national headline tour. Releasing their first new music in over a decade in 2023 via the track To the Disco, Rogue Traders will dazzle Hello Sunshine crowds in 2025 with their infamously high octane live show. “The Hello Sunshine Festival this March is looking AMAZING – and we are so excited to have been asked to join the lineup! Can’t wait to see everyone down the front!”
Renowned Perth hip hop artist Drapht has remained at the forefront of his genre since his early years spent as part of the Syllabolix crew as a teenager as well as the ultimate release of his 2003 debut album Pale Rider. A charismatic creative force, armed with two ARIA Awards and a legion of fans, Drapht has also gone on to collaborate with fellow Aussie icons Hilltop Hoods, Bliss N Eso and Kate Miller-Heidke, with his energetic live show continuously proving to be the stuff of legends. “I’m stoked to be on the Hello Sunshine line up in March! It will the first time doing all-ages shows in Melbourne and on The Goldy with my band, so we’re psyched to share the music with those who may not have heard the songs live yet! Cant wait!”
You don’t have to be a kid to love Bluey, aka the global Australian cartoon phenomenon that has captured hearts of all ages. Following the adventures of the loveable titular Blue Heeler puppy, the Emmy, Logie and AACTA Award-winning Bluey has gone on to resonate with parents and children alike, with 2025’s Hello Sunshine offering punters a chance to meet and interact with their favourite Bluey characters, and you can also take in an extra special live show that will get you up and dancing, playing games and so much more! This is not to be missed for young audiences – and the young at heart!
A multi-platinum and ARIA-nominated artist, Lenny Pearce has performed globally with high profile artists including Janet Jackson, One Direction and Pitbull, shifting from his roots as part of the performing group Justice Crew into a whole new era, armed with hip hop, house and grooving basslines. The twin brother of famed Purple Wiggle John Pearce, Lenny Pearce will be bringing all of the amazing vibes to Hello Sunshine next year. “I’m so keen to play at Hello Sunshine for all the families who party together,” shares Pearce. “2025 will be bigger and better than ever and I’m pumped for it. I’m a family man myself and this event is such a vibe it’s gonna be one not to miss! Bangers for all!”
Comprising childhood friends Esther Holt and Maddy Kelly, Whistle & Trick are one of Melbourne’s preeminent kids bands with the sole mission to sing, dance and cause a bit of mischief along the way. With clever and thoughtful music designed to spark imaginations, the duo’s 2023 debut album Bananas and Other Delicious Things also featured the likes of Memphis LK, Allday, Vika & Linda and Paul Kelly. “We are super excited to be playing at the Hello Sunshine festival coming up in Melbourne and the Gold Coast in March,” shares Whistle & Trick. “We are thrilled to be performing alongside some spectacular acts and cannot wait to dance and sing at this great family event.”
Nestled at the foot of the Dandenong Ranges, Caribbean Gardens in Melbourne’s east will once again play home to Hello Sunshine following its two consecutive events in 2023 and 2024. Fast becoming Victoria’s new favourite festival grounds, with the picturesque green space providing the ultimate playground, Caribbean Gardens also played host to Melbourne’s Listen Out festival in 2023. And located just north of the Gold Coast’s iconic summer playground Surfers Paradise, the Broadwater Parklands is a stunning outdoor location that includes rockpools, a swimming enclosure and spaces for a plethora of fun activities for the whole family, and will host Hello Sunshine for the first time in 2025. The Parklands also recently played home to a variety of high-profile music events, including Pandemonium Festival, Lookout 2024, Queens of the Stone Age and more.
Tickets for Hello Sunshine go onsale to the general public on Friday September 6 at 9am AEST from www.hellosunshinefest.com.au.
HELLO SUNSHINE 2025
Tickets available from www.hellosunshinefest.com.au
SAT 1 MARCH | CARIBBEAN GARDENS, MELBOURNE, VIC | ALL AGES
SAT 8 MARCH | BROADWATER PARKLANDS, GOLD COAST QLD | ALL AGES
STONE TEMPLE PILOTS
SMASH MOUTH
WOLFMOTHER
KASEY CHAMBERS
ROGUE TRADERS
DRAPHT
BLUEY
LENNY PEARCE
WHISTLE & TRICK
STONE TEMPLE PILOTS ANNOUNCE ‘PURPLE’ 30th ANNIVERSARY AUSTRALIAN TOUR 2025
Legendary Californian rock royalty, Stone Temple Pilots have today announced their long-awaited return to Australian shores this February/March to celebrate the 30th anniversary of ‘Purple‘, the group’s chart-topping, multi-platinum sophomore album. To honour the impressive milestone, they’ll be performing this iconic album in its entirety at each show.
Kicking off at ICC Sydney Theatre on February 28, the tour will then move through Melbourne (headlining Hello Sunshine Festival), Adelaide, Newcastle, and Brisbane, before finishing up on the Gold Coast (Hello Sunshine Festival), with Aussie rock stalwarts, Wolfmother jumping in on the national run of shows to warm audiences up with their myriad of hits.
Tickets go on sale Friday 6 September at 9AM (AEST), for all information, visit www.teamwrktouring.com.
Released on June 7, 1994, Purple was the highly anticipated follow-up to Stone Temple Pilots’ 1992 debut, Core, which sold over eight million copies and earned a GRAMMY Award. The album debuted at number 1 on the Mainstream Rock Tracks chart and quickly became a fan favourite, selling over six million copies. Purple features some of the group’s most beloved tracks, including Interstate Love Songand Vasoline, which topped the Mainstream Rock Tracks chart. It also includes Big Empty, a song that first appeared on the film soundtrack for The Crow. The song was a massive Top 10 hit on mainstream and modern rock charts and won the MTV Movie Award for Best Song in a Movie.
After the massive success of their North American Jubilee Tour, the band is excited to continue the celebration with their Aussie fans. As part of the run, Stone Temple Pilots will headline Australia’s fastest growing outdoor music festival, Hello Sunshine Festival in Melbourne and Gold Coast, with one-off side show performances in Sydney, Adelaide, Newcastle, and Brisbane.
Tickets to the ‘Purple’ anniversary tour go on sale Friday 6 September at 9AM (AEST), for further information, visit www.teamwrktouring.com.
STONE TEMPLE PILOTS ‘PURPLE’ 30TH ANNIVERSARY AUSTRALIAN TOUR 2025
FRI 28 FEB | ICC SYDNEY THEATRE | SYDNEY, NSW
SAT 1 MAR | HELLO SUNSHINE, CARIBBEAN GARDENS | MELBOURNE, VIC
MON 3 MAR | HINDLEY ST MUSIC HALL | ADELAIDE, SA
WED 5 MAR | NEX | NEWCASTLE, NSW
FRI 7 MAR | FORTITUDE MUSIC HALL, BRISBANE, QLD
SAT 8 MAR | HELLO SUNSHINE, BROADWATER PARKLANDS | GOLD COAST, QLD
J-MILLA AND YUNG MILLA TO BRING ‘SAME BLOOD’ TO BIGSOUND 2024
Off the back of their live debut at AMAZON Music’s extraordinary Blak Loud showcase earlier this month, First Nations rap lords, J-MILLA and Yung Milla are now primed to turn BIGSOUND on its head with their SAME BLOOD showcase at Sound Garden on Tuesday 3 September. Undeniably set to be the hip hop party of the year, SAME BLOOD is an explosive live collaboration of rhyme, dance and style between the Marranunggu bruthas who have forged their own unique paths to prominence in the NT and beyond. Following BIGSOUND, the bruthas will take SAME BLOOD to the general public at the LIKE A BOSS MUSIC FESTIVAL on Saturday 7 September, before heading to SXSW Sydney.
Born to the traditional owners of the Litchfield National Park, the Milla brothers grew up rough in the southern suburbs of Darwin, overcoming intergenerational trauma and hardscrabble street life to find powerful voices, explosive stage presence and phenomenal clout as inspiration to a legion of Top End youth.
J-MILLA found his salvation in storytelling as a teen hellbent on redemption, using his passion like a weapon to maintain a healthy mental state for himself and his younger brother, Levi. My People and Unlock the System forged a platform for First Nations justice and social awareness. His latest, Boomerang (watch BOOMERANG), samples the Australian Aboriginal Women’s Choir, another intentional step in his deft mix of social comment and bangin’ club vibes.
Speaking about the AMAZON Blak Loud showcase, J-MILLA says, “There’s a dynamic between us bros that’s hard to define, but the crowd that night, they could see it and that’s gangsta. This is what we’ll be bringing to BIGSOUND and more.”
Yung Milla followed his brother’s lead, but not his footsteps. While J found new footing via a private school scholarship in Adelaide, young Levi continued to draw his resolve as an artist from the challenging urban landscape of Palmerston: ripe territory for a hip hop truthteller determined to right wrongs and rise via killer tracks Better Days, Land Down Under, They Don’t Know, and his new anthem of transcendence, Shine (watch SHINE). Yung Milla will also showcase his solo set at the INCUBATED showcase on Wednesday 4.45pm at JBL Live Stage at BIGSOUND.
Yung Milla says, “Not only are we blood brothers, we’re best friends, we’ve come from struggle and gone through a lot of things together that most people never see. Then to be on stage performing to industry VIPs feels pretty good, like a blessing.”
SAME BLOOD brings all this to the party and more: classic cuts remixed, re-energised and spiced with brand new collaborations from their sometimes-troubled crossroads. Stay tuned for the national unveiling of the brothers’ debut track early next year, inspired by the tragic murder of their cousin, and continuing an uncompromising rise from a world of violence and temptation to a righteous pursuit of justice and glory.
In four short years, J-MILLA has amassed a slew of awards, collaborations and media accolades, carving a path for Yung Milla to escalate thephenomenon dubbed in regional NT communities as “Milla-Mania”.
Earlier this month, the brothers showcased their solo sets at Live Nation’s Ones to Watch and now, for only the second time, SAME BLOOD brings them together with a handpicked posse of dancers and road-hardened energy to blow the hip-hop party fuse for 2024.
Happy Mag calls J-MILLA “a dominant force in hip hop”. triple j calls Yung Milla “hot shit”. We’re calling Same Blood the hip hop party of the year.
TUES 3 SEP | SAME BLOOD, SOUNDGARDEN | FORTITUDE VALLEY, BRISBANE, QLD | 10PM
WED 4 SEP | YUNG MILLA, INCUBATED SHOWCASE | JBL LIVE STAGE, BRUNZ MALL | FORTITUDE VALLEY, BRISBANE, QLD | 4.45PM
SAT 7 SEP | SAME BLOOD, LIKE A BOSS MUSIC FESTIVAL, THE STATION | SUNSHINE COAST, QLD