Nine to broadcast Sounds Better Together shows

Nine Network is screening a two-and-a-half special on Victoria’s week-long 2021 Sounds Better Together concert series.

Beamed from Mallacoota in country Victoria on Saturday (January 30) at 7:30 pm (AEDT), it covers all the shows from the series.

Artists include Jimmy Barnes, Tones And I, Missy Higgins, James Reyne, Daryl Braithwaite, The Teskey Brothers, Archie Roach, Ross Wilson, Birds Of Tokyo (with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra), The Living End, Something For Kate, Vika & Linda, and Gordi.

Fronting the broadcast with interviews and behind-the-scenes access are Nine’s David Campbell and Madeline Slattery, radio and television identity Jane Gazzo, and podcaster Kate Gudinski.

The January 23—30 event series was put together by Visit Victoria and Michael Gudinski’s Mushroom Group, as a way to get acts on the road, and to put a focus on generating tourism for Victoria.

Aside from Melbourne’s well-known The Espy, the Forum and the Prince, the venues chosen were picturesque wineries in Barrabool Hills outside Geelong, Rutherglen and the Yarra Valley, and theatres and pubs in Castlemaine, Warrnambool and San Remo.

Some shows sold out. The Mallacoota Oval final date features Reyne, Braithwaite, Vika & Linda and Mia Wray.

Missy Higgins

Michael Gudinski said: “Musicians have been busting to get back on stage before real live audiences and it’s fantastic that we can stage these concerts at such amazing locations and iconic venues across Victoria.

“The phenomenal success of last year’s Music From The Home Front highlighted a huge appetite from the public for live music on television and I’m thrilled that with this Nine broadcast everyone across Australia has an opportunity to experience the 2021 Sounds Better Together shows, even if they can’t be at them in person.”

Nine’s program director, Hamish Turner, noted: “Live music is such an important part of Australian culture. It gives a platform to so many talented musicians and brings joy to the audience.

“I hope by broadcasting 2021 Sounds Better Together on Nine, we can remind audiences of their love for live music and that we have hope for a better year for all ahead.

“We’d also encourage our viewers to get out and explore all that’s great about Victoria, especially after the particularly tough year the state endured.”