The Wailers and The Pogues Confirm Australian Tours Despite Bluesfest Collapse

Two more acts from the cancelled Bluesfest 2026 lineup have confirmed they are pressing ahead with their Australian tours. The Wailers and The Pogues both announced updated plans on Saturday (March 21), joining Sublime and Counting Crows in reassuring fans that their runs would continue despite the Easter festival’s collapse. The band’s 2026 tour marks the 50th anniversary of Rastaman Vibration — Bob Marley’s landmark 1976 album that represented the commercial breakthrough of reggae in the United States.

Rastaman Vibration peaked at No. 8 on the Billboard 200, making it the first Bob Marley release to reach the top 10, and spawned “Roots, Rock, Reggae” — the only Marley single to reach the Billboard Hot 100. The Wailers are led by Aston Barrett Jr., son of legendary bassist Aston “Familyman” Barrett, alongside vocalist Mitchell Brunings. The Pogues have also confirmed their Australian and New Zealand tour is going ahead as planned, adding a new Brisbane show at Fortitude Music Hall on April 2.

Tickets for the new date go on sale Monday, March 23 at 10 a.m. AEST via Ticketmaster....