Rock Royalty Set To Light Up Airlie Beach Hotel

Airlie Beach Hotel is set to come alive this Australia Day weekend, with a powerhouse line-up of Australian rock icons and tribute acts taking to the beachfront stage for music, memories and mate-ship.

Headlining the weekend is the acclaimed Cold Chisel tribute band Gold Chisel and an Australian Midnight Oil tribute, but special guests brothers of Jimmy Barnes, Alan Barnes and John 'Swanee' Swan will set the roof off.

Running from on Saturday and Sunday, the free shows promise a relaxed, festival-style celebration of classic Aussie rock.

Plus don't miss the massive showing on Monday from 12pm – 6pm titled ‘The Wizards of Oz’.

For Alan Barnes, the upcoming performances mark a long-awaited return to the region, with his last visit dating back more than two decades. His brother Swanee is also excited to perform and will perform some of his hits plus songs from his latest album 'Believe'.

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Alan Barnes And Swanee To Deliver An Unforgettable Weekend

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Across the weekend, Alan Barnes will perform original material alongside well-loved Australian classics, with guest appearances from Gold Chisel’s Andy Lutze and collaborative moments that will see multiple artists sharing the stage.

Adding an emotional layer to the event is the presence of Swanee, whose latest album 'Believe' has struck a powerful chord with audiences nationwide. Released last year, the album debuted at number one and features an all-star list of collaborators, including his brothers Alan and Jimmy Barnes on the track Brother of Mine.

The song explores the distance and closeness that often define family life in the music industry, where touring can keep loved ones apart for long stretches of time. Recording it together marked the first time the three brothers had officially collaborated on a single track.

“It was very emotional,” Alan said.

“We’ve sung together on stage for years, but this was different. The song meant something to us as a family, and it turns out it means something to a lot of people.”

For Swanee, Believe is as much about friendship and legacy as it is about music. Featuring artists from across Australia and overseas, the album reflects decades of shared stages, hard roads and lifelong bonds formed within the Australian rock scene.

“If you’re true to your word and you do good gigs, people remember and will be stayers,” Swanee said.

“This album is a testament to the degree of friendship that you get in the Australian rock industry."

That philosophy also extends beyond the stage. Swanee has spent more than 15 years working with children in hospitals, rehabilitation centres and autism support programs, using music as a tool for connection, healing and confidence.

Similarly, Alan said music has always been about more than performing on stage.

“For me, it’s a way to express yourself and get your feelings out," Alan said.

"But I love music because it brings people together, it takes bad feelings away, it gives good feelings and a lot of people just relax when they're out having fun."

With the sad passing of Midnight Oil founding member Rob Hirst, the Australian Midnight Oil Tribute Show will perform a heartfelt dedication to Rob, which will play on the heart strings of many.

The Airlie Beach shows will bring history, heart and shared experience together, with sets featuring songs from Believe, classic Australian rock favourites and collaborative finales that will see multiple musicians filling the stage.

With limited bookings still available and strong demand already reported, the Australia Day weekend performances are shaping as a standout event on the local calendar.

As Alan put it, “What better way to spend the weekend than great music, great people and a stage right on the beach?”

WHAT: Gold Chisel Tribute Show & The Australian Midnight Oil Show Tribute Show ft. Swanee and Alan Barnes
WHERE: The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel
WHEN: Saturday 24 & Sunday 25 (2pm - 5.30pm)

WHAT: The Wizards of OZ
WHERE: The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel
WHEN: AUSTRALIA DAY Monday 26 January (12pm - 6pm)

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Jimmy Barnes, Swanee, and Alan Barnes with Swanee’s new album. Photo sourced

Andy Lutze, Swanee, and Alan Barnes.
Alan Barnes and Swanee will perform on stage this weekend.
Photos supplied

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