Jimmy Barnes Will Make His Live Comeback From Heart Surgery At Bluesfest 2024

Jimmy Barnes is bouncing back from open heart surgery in a big way, announcing his triumphant live comeback will take place at Bluesfest this Easter.

The Aussie rock icon will return to the stage as part of the Byron Bay event’s monster 2024 lineup, performing an early evening performance on Easter Sunday (31st March) with a full band set-up.

Jimmy Barnes – ‘Ride The Night Away’

As well as celebrating his live comeback and Bluesfest’s own 35th anniversary, Barnsey’s set will also mark the 30th anniversary of his iconic solo album Flesh and Wood, with the rock legend to perform both electric and acoustic renditions of tunes from the LP alongside hits from his extensive back catalogue.

Fans are also told to expect plenty of duets and special guest appearances as part of the Cold Chisel icon’s historic Bluesfest set, to further toast his big return to the stage.

“Every day, I’m getting stronger. Every day, I’m pushing myself a little bit further,” the  67-year-old said in a press statement. “I’m excited about getting back on stage, in front of the band and playing for you all. And what better way is there to kick it off than at the legendary Bluesfest Byron Bay with a really special celebration of Flesh and Wood.”

While Bluesfest Director Peter Noble OAM added: “It’s going to be so special. There will be so much emotion around it, with all his fans coming to wish him well. This will be a very special moment in the history of Bluesfest. And for it to happen on our 35th-anniversary festival, couldn’t be more perfect.”

Jimmy Barnes underwent emergency surgery last December after a bacterial infection he’d been battling spread to his heart, forcing him to cancel a number of tour dates, including an appearance at By The C in Torquay.

He’ll return to the stage this Easter Sunday at Bluesfest, alongside over 65 eclectic artists including Jack Johnson (exclusive to Bluesfest), Tom Jones, The Teskey Brothers, Matt Corby, L.A.B, Elvis Costello & The Imposters and Peter Garrett & The Alter Egos, Tedeschi Trucks Band, The Cruel Sea, Tim Finn, Taj Mahal (exclusive to Bluesfest), Ian Moss, Rickie Lee Jones and loads more.

Bluesfest 2024 will be taking place at the usual spot this year, Byron Bay’s Events Farm in Tyagarah, running from Thursday, 28th March to Monday, 1st April.

You can peep the full lineup and ticketing details down below.

Bluesfest 2024

• Jimmy Barnes

Joining…

• Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals
• Infectious Grooves’
• Katie Melua
• The Waifs
• Brad Cox
• Yirrimal
• Dirty Honey
• Jerome Williams
• Ben Swissa
• eMDee
• Perry Street Park
• Da Manager

Joining…

• Portugal. The Man
• Ziggy Alberts
• Snarky Puppy
• The Blind Boys of Alabama
• Meshell Ndegeocello
• Fiona Boyes & The Fortune Tellers
• The Turner Brown Band
• Pierce Brothers
• Velvet Trip
• ROSHANI
• Sweet Talk

Joining…

• Tedeschi Trucks Band
• The Cruel Sea
• Tim Finn
• Taj Mahal (Exclusive)
• Ian Moss
• Rickie Lee Jones
• Dan Sultan
• The Whitlams Black Stump Band
• Coterie
• Playing For Change
• Lisa Hunt’s ‘Forever Soul’
• Wilsn
• Caravãna Sun
• Women of Soul Collective
• Jackie Venson (Exclusive)

Joining…

• Jack Johnson (Exclusive)
• Tom Jones
• The Teskey Brothers
• Matt Corby
• L.A.B
• Elvis Costello & The Imposters
• Peter Garrett & The Alter Egos
• Tommy Emmanuel
• The Dead South
• The Paper Kites
• Drive-by Truckers
• Newton Faulkner
• Steve Poltz
• 19-Twenty
• Taj Farrant
• Erja Lyytinen
• Harry Manx
• Here Come The Mummies
• Clayton Doley’s Bayou Billabong
• Little Quirks
• Hussy Hicks
• Blues Arcadia
• RocKwiz Live

Dates & Venue

• Thursday, 28th March to Monday, 1st April – Byron Events Farm, Tyagarah NSW

Tickets on sale now

Further Reading

Bluesfest 2024 Lineup Expands With Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals + MORE

Jimmy Barnes Is Undergoing Emergency Open Heart Surgery Today

PJ Morton, The Allman Betts Band Announce 2024 Australian Tours