News June 23, 2019

Bluesfest tops Pollstar’s International Live Box Office charts

Bluesfest has once again proven its worth as one of the world’s biggest festivals, topping Pollstar’s International Live Box Office charts for its 2019 event.

Back in April, the world of music had their eyes firmly fixed upon Byron Bay for the massive 30th anniversary edition of Bluesfest.

With huge names on offer like Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals, Iggy Pop, George Clinton, The Saboteurs, Hozier, and so much more, fans and onlookers undoubtedly knew that this was going to be one major event.

Now, just two months removed from the event, Bluesfest has managed to top Pollstar’s International Live Box Office Charts, beating out events by the likes of Metallica, Maroon 5, and Cirque du Soleil to be the highest-grossing event in recent times.

With 105,385 tickets sold (84% of its total 125,000 capacity across five days), Bluesfest managed to bring in USD $11.1 million, beating out Metallica’s May performance in France by more than USD $4.2 million.

“It’s not every day you wake up to find Bluesfest is on top of the international live music magazine, Pollstar’s International Box Office, holding the No. 1 spot as the highest grossing event in the world. Pinch me! I must still be dreaming!” explained Festival Director, Peter Noble OAM.

“The thrill is electric to see an Aussie independent festival featuring primarily Blues and Roots music come out on top! We love Contemporary music too at Bluesfest, but the industry isn’t just about that.

“For us, an artist is an artist, throughout their entire career and it is an honour to present the legends as well as the emerging artists. Bluesfest is the most highly awarded music festival ever in Australia.

“It’s a testament to our fans and their constant support, so thank you for your loyalty over the years and for buying the tickets to allow me to present this festival to you. And of course, thank you to our amazing team who put the event on!

“Thank you to the artists and their representatives who continue to provide the most amazing talent. Thank you from the bottom of my heart and now on to our best festival yet to come – Bluesfest 2020! Bluesfest for life!”

This news comes just under one year on from when Bluesfest received yet another honour from Pollstar, being named the #1 festival in Australia off the back of their 2018 event.

In related news, Bluesfest’s Peter Noble recently revealed that while the festival is worth more to the NSW economy than sport and movies, if restrictions in the state don’t get resolved soon, the world-beating event may be forced to find another home in order to continue its legacy as one of the best in Australia.