AGP Executive Report

Touring: Diamond Platnumz has cancelled his Australian concerts amid financial disputes with promoters. Nickelback, meanwhile, will return for an arena tour in October 2027. Local Stages: Baker Boy marked his 30th birthday with two Melbourne gigs, including an all-ages show for young fans. Tame Impala opened its Australian tour with a Brisbane performance, while owners of Northbridge venues warn proposed noise caps could threaten live music. Australian Music: Olivia Dean’s The Art of Loving returned to No. 1 on the ARIA chart as her tour began. G Flip has recalled their surprise AFL Grand Final performance with Kylie Minogue, and Katie Noonan is turning a personal heartbreak into new music with author Trent Dalton. Industry Watch: Powderfinger’s cryptic posts have fuelled reunion speculation, while ARIA has warned lawmakers that Australia could become a “Trojan horse” for big AI.

New Releases: The Avalanches are drawing on old adverts and obsolete technology for new album No Bad Memories, while Troye Sivan’s She’s the Best arrived October 9. Tour News: Powderfinger will reunite for Australian shows in 2027, 16 years after their farewell; Nickelback has also announced seven Australian dates for October 2027, with Don Broco supporting. ARIA Charts: Olivia Dean’s The Art of Loving is back at No. 1 for a 14th non-consecutive week, while V.Spy V.Spy’s anniversary reissues land at Nos. 7 and 8. Local Scene: Perth rock band Jebediah’s 30-year story is the subject of a new documentary. In Northbridge, venue owners warn proposed noise caps could threaten live music, as Civic venue Shadows closes after two years. Industry Development: KLP has wrapped a 12-month songwriting and industry program aimed at developing new talent.

Tour News: Nickelback will bring its 2027 Everything Under the Sun tour to Australia for seven October shows, with Don Broco supporting. The band’s new album is due October 30. Homecoming: Tame Impala’s arena tour has reached Australia, with Kevin Parker and the band drawing crowds on a 12-date run that ends in Perth. Aussie Rock: Powderfinger have confirmed their first national tour in 16 years, returning to the stage in 2027 after weeks of reunion speculation. Venues Under Pressure: Canberra’s Shadows has closed, while Northbridge venue owners warn proposed noise caps could threaten live music. On the Charts: Olivia Dean’s The Art of Loving returned to No. 1 on the ARIA chart as her Australian tour got underway; V.Spy V.Spy also scored a Top 10 debut.

Nickelback Down Under: The Canadian rockers will play seven Australian arena and outdoor shows in October 2027, from Perth to the Hunter Valley, supporting their new album Everything Under the Sun. Venue Noise: Northbridge venue owners warn proposed WA noise caps could undermine live music, with the opt-in rules unlikely to win support from operators. Troye Sivan: The Australian pop star’s fourth album, She’s the Best, turns inward, unpacking the party-boy image with a more vulnerable, adventurous sound. Powderfinger Reunion: The Brisbane rock legends will tour Australia in 2027, reuniting for their first national run in 16 years. Live Music Pipeline: Jimmy Barnes will lead an all-Australian lineup on the 2027 Red Hot Summer Tour, while WA’s new Night-Time Economy Strategy aims to boost vibrancy and jobs. Music and AI: ARIA has warned lawmakers that Australia risks becoming a “Trojan horse” for AI companies unless creators’ rights are protected.

Powderfinger Return: The Brisbane rock giants have confirmed Australian shows from September 2027, their first major tour since 2010. Tour details are due October 12. ARIA Charts: V.SPY V.SPY’s 40th-anniversary reissues debut at No. 7 and No. 8, with Harry’s Reasons topping the Australian Albums chart. New releases from Old Mervs, Ella Hooper and Glen Shorrock also chart. New Music: Troye Sivan’s fourth album, She’s the Best, is out, alongside a new video for “FF”. Touring: Jimmy Barnes will lead the all-Australian 2027 Red Hot Summer Tour, joined by Jon Stevens, Birds of Tokyo, Eskimo Joe, Baby Animals, Chocolate Starfish and Sarah McLeod. After-Dark Economy: WA has launched its first night-time strategy, with plans to support arts, culture and entertainment precincts through 2029. AI and Music Rights: ARIA has warned lawmakers that Australia risks becoming a “Trojan horse” for big AI companies.

Powderfinger Watch: Cryptic billboards, a wiped Instagram and a new account have fuelled reunion speculation, but the Brisbane rockers have yet to confirm a return. AI and Copyright: ARIA has warned lawmakers Australia could become a “Trojan horse” for big AI, urging stronger protections for artists’ work as tech companies seek access to copyrighted material. New Stages: Plans have surfaced for a concert venue in Melbourne’s Arden precinct, while a separate proposal would put a 25,000–35,000-seat stadium near Canberra’s Commonwealth Park. Industry Pipeline: The Grove Studios Academy and University of Canberra are launching a contemporary music degree. Festival Scale: Knockout Outdoor says it is now Australia’s biggest one-day outdoor festival. Live Releases: Parkway Drive will release a 20-track live album, Home, featuring their Sydney Opera House performance. Troye’s New Era: Troye Sivan’s fourth album, She’s The Best, features an approved Madonna sample and guest appearances from Nicole Kidman, Ian McKellen and Lily-Rose Depp.

Powderfinger Reunion: The Brisbane band has joined a cryptic campaign that has fans expecting a reunion after 16 years, but no plans have been officially announced. Festival Milestone: Sydney’s Knockout Outdoor drew 60,000 people, making it Australia’s biggest one-day outdoor festival. Music Education: The Grove Studios Academy and University of Canberra will launch a contemporary music degree at the Central Coast studio campus in 2027. Copyright and AI: ARIA has warned a parliamentary inquiry that weakening copyright rules could make Australia a “Trojan horse” for Big Tech. Live Music: Foo Fighters have announced an intimate 1,250-capacity Melbourne show, while Irish act The Mary Wallopers will tour Australia and New Zealand in May 2027. Songwriter Royalties: A US proposal for a minimum mechanical royalty per stream could affect Australian songwriters whose work is played in the States.

Copyright & AI: ARIA chief Annabelle Herd has warned lawmakers against giving AI giants a “free ride” on Australian music, as copyright rules face growing scrutiny. Reunion Watch: Cryptic billboards and a new social account have sparked Powderfinger reunion speculation, but the band has yet to confirm anything. Live Releases: Parkway Drive will turn their Sydney Opera House performance into a 20-track live album, alongside a concert film. Tour News: Jimmy Barnes will headline the 2027 Red Hot Summer Tour with an all-Australian lineup, while Tash Sultana has added a Perth show to meet demand. Industry & Festivals: The ARIA Awards have named hosts for their 40th-anniversary ceremony. Meanwhile, Big Red Bash and NYE on the Hill say their 2027 editions will be their last; Spiderbait and The Cat Empire are among acts booked for next year’s Riverboats Music Festival.

Powderfinger Reunion Buzz: Cryptic billboards and a new Instagram account (@thereturnoftheelectrichorsemen) have reignited talk the Brisbane rock legends are planning a comeback, with fans linking the “Electric Horseman” references and dates to the band’s history. Live Music on Film: John Farnham’s The Songs of John Farnham: A Living Legend – The Celebration Concert is returning to HOYTS cinemas on Oct 22 after a record-breaking first run, with proceeds supporting Head and Neck Cancer Australia. Heavy Music Release: Parkway Drive has announced Home – Live at the Sydney Opera House, a 20-track live album tied to their sold-out black-tie Opera House show and upcoming concert film. Touring Demand: Tash Sultana has added extra Australasian dates for 2027 due to overwhelming demand. New Music Signing (NZ→AU): Winspear has signed Auckland alternative rock act Awning, releasing the grief-soaked single “Little Green Book.” Privacy/Tech Backlash: Kmart has removed its $89 camera smart glasses from sale online after privacy backlash, while the Australian Information Commission launches a probe into the app behind the devices. Theatre Reopens: Arts Centre Melbourne’s Ian Potter State Theatre has reopened after a major multi-million-dollar refurbishment, boosting accessibility and upgrading sound and lighting.

Artist Deals & Ownership: Thomas Rhett has signed an artist-led partnership with HYBE America’s Blue Highway Records, creating Fifty-One/Forty-Nine Records with a focus on long-term ownership and creative independence. Touring & Live Moments: Hayley Williams reunited with Zedd to perform “Stay the Night” live for the first time in 12 years at the Hollywood Bowl. Australian Spotlight Abroad: Courtney Barnett is set for a European/UK run supporting Creature of Habit, including a Rock City (Nottingham) date on Oct 16. UK Dates for Aussie Fans: The Snuts announced UK stops including Rough Trade and Rock City in November, plus an in-store gig at Rough Trade on Nov 4. Music Tech & Fan Engagement: Spotify expanded its Music Quiz feature to test fans on 2,000+ artists, rolling out to Premium listeners including Australia. Cultural Music Coverage: BBC Scotland is facing backlash over plans to axe World Pipe Band Championship coverage, with claims it will hurt Scotland’s music culture and international reach. Industry/Media Rights: Amazon Prime Video has secured global streaming rights to the Emmys for the next six years, starting in 2027.

AI & Copyright Clash: A parliamentary inquiry hears US AI giants want to use Australian creative content for training without complying with stricter copyright rules, with Google arguing opt-in authorisation would make AI development impossible, while Anthropic says current rules make training “technically impossible” and OpenAI faces pressure over how it handled a Medicare breach. AI Music Fraud: Sony Music has asked platforms to remove 260,000+ AI deepfake tracks impersonating major artists, as ARIA’s 31 August 2026 chart rules exclude wholly AI-generated recordings but allow AI-assisted tracks if they’re substantially human-made. ARIA Awards Spotlight: Melanie Bracewell and Tim McDonald are confirmed as hosts for the 40th ARIA Awards on Nov 18 at Sydney’s Hordern Pavilion, with Latifa Tee joining the hosting team. Live Music Big Moves: Jimmy Barnes headlines the 2027 Red Hot Summer Tour with an all-Australian lineup; Brooks & Dunn return for 2027 dates in Sydney and Melbourne. Pop Culture & Touring: Diljit Dosanjh announces India dates for his Aura Tour, while BabyMonster confirms new music on Oct 23 and continues its Choom world tour with Australian stops in December. Health & Public Life: Comedian Judith Lucy reveals a breast cancer diagnosis and a double mastectomy scheduled next week.

Aussie Music Policy: Music Victoria CEO Duncan says Victoria’s new venue-focused reforms miss the point if artists can’t afford to perform, calling for a 1% arena/stadium ticket levy to fund musicians and prevent an artist exodus. Global Rock Buzz: Axl Rose’s studio snap has fans speculating, but Yoshiki says Rose was rehearsing for a Global Citizen Festival performance that was cancelled due to severe weather. Live Music (AU): Goulburn’s Lilac City Cinema is listed for sale with hopes of $3m, with buyers weighing alternative uses for the heritage-listed venue. Touring (AU + world): FLO announce a 2027 Therapy At The Club tour across North America, Europe and the UK, including their biggest headline show at London’s OVO Arena Wembley. Cross-cultural concerts: Australia and India’s “Sacred Pathways” tour (13–23 Oct) pairs William Barton and Pandit Shubhendra Rao for four cities. Music Tech: Pure BPM launches Clip Builder 2.0, adding editable, audio-driven animation for music visuals aimed at Spotify Canvas and vertical socials.

NRL Grand Final music tribute: Amy Shark led an all-Australian pre-game performance for Jai Arrow at Accor Stadium, joined by Dave Gleeson, Phil Jamieson, Reuben Styles and Neve van Boxsel, with a set built around “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” “What’s Up?” and “The Best.” Live music bookings: Foo Fighters will play an intimate 1,250-capacity Melbourne show at Crown LIVE on Nov 16, with registration required via Crown LIVE before Ticketmaster handling. Country touring: Brooks & Dunn are set for Australia/New Zealand country festival stops as they celebrate major CMA honours, with CMC Rocks’ 20th anniversary in the spotlight. Greek-Aussie concert dates: Nikos Oikonomopoulos returns for three shows in Adelaide, Sydney and Melbourne as part of his 20-year anniversary tour. Album release: Josh Tatofi drops PANIOLO COUNTRY, a Hawaii-rooted Country Soul project, with Blue Note Hawaii performances on Oct 16-17. Industry/awards: Bear Meets Eagle On Fire and FINCH picked up Bronze Statues at the London International Awards, with Australia’s tally focused on Production & Post. Big venue redevelopment: Crown Melbourne’s $200m Southbank glow-up is accelerating, adding 15+ new dining and bar spaces plus new arrivals like Mott 32 and Brunetti Oro.

NRL Grand Final Tribute: Thousands made the arrow gesture for Jai Arrow and Nathan Charles at Stadium Australia, with Amy Shark leading a moving pre-game lap and performances from Dave Gleeson and others. Rock/Pop Release: Jimmy Barnes has released a new cover of Rose Tattoo’s “Rock ’n’ Roll Is King” as a tribute to Angry Anderson, with proceeds going to Support Act. Documentary Funding: Screen Australia backed 47 documentaries with $5.7m+ in production and development, including LGBTIQA+ stories. Music Theatre/Live: Geraldine Quinn’s Gen X slasher-horror-comedy-musical “Campervan: An Ozploitation Horror Musical” heads to Melbourne Fringe. Australian Screen Music: “Curious” at the Sydney Opera House spotlights talks including AI and journalism, with Chip Rolley discussing meaning-making. International Music Business: Universal Music promoted Frank Briegmann to Chairman & CEO for Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Canada & Deutsche Grammophon. AI & Audio: Polaris released “Without You,” its first new music since Ryan Siew’s death, confronting how to move forward without him.

NRL Grand Final Entertainment: Peking Duk have shut down rumours they’ll play the pre-game show at Sunday’s Sydney Roosters vs Newcastle Knights decider, posting a cheeky “theories” denial and saying they’re gigging in Cairns instead. Live Music Policy: NSW’s Labor nightlife reforms are back in the spotlight after reports that pokies venues can get major liquor licence discounts by booking live acts, raising fresh concerns about who the policy is really serving. Metalcore Comeback: Polaris released “Without You,” their first new music since guitarist Ryan Siew’s 2023 death, framing the track as a bittersweet start for the band’s future. Pop Culture & TV: Delta Goodrem topped the Strictly Come Dancing leaderboard after a Movies Week performance, while Strictly viewers also praised Johannes Radebe for improving his presenting after last week’s feedback. Local Stage: SA’s first professional musical theatre company, Full Circle, launches with a mission to stop talent draining east. Community Choir: Imua Family Services is recruiting Maui youth (11–18) for “100 Voices,” a no-tryouts community choir debuting in April.

AI Music Tools: Suno has launched Speech, a public beta that generates spoken narration and original background music together as one unified audio track, with accents and pauses sometimes drifting as part of the trial. Pop Chart Power: Taylor Swift’s The Life of a Showgirl (Encore) returns to No.1 in Australia, with “Patient Zero” debuting at No.1 on the singles chart and Julia Jacklin’s The Gem debuting at No.5. Live Pop Highlights: Troye Sivan surprised at Charli XCX’s Austin City Limits set, performing “Party” ahead of his album She’s the Best. Local Scene & Activism: Perth queer collective Queer Liberation Boorloo is hosting That’s Fighting Music, featuring local acts and funding work to push for stronger trans protections in WA. Australian Artists in Focus: Reece Mastin reflects on returning to rock and joining Telethon Weekend after 12 years; Alienist also adds Jacob Churchward as clean vocalist/guitarist for “Phantom.” International Music News: Kim Dracula and Criss Angel’s Haunted live event has been postponed to 2027; Bruce Dickinson teases a new solo album and upcoming surprises with Iron Maiden.