AGP Executive Report

Aussie Music Spotlight: Julia Jacklin talks The Gem’s slower, more chaotic creative process and the album’s themes of faith, freedom and surrender, as she eases into her “new gem” era. New Music (AU): Windwaker drops “dna” ahead of their third album Smile, You’re On Camera (Oct 23), blending alt-rock riffs, synths and screams with a social-media identity struggle. Live Music (AU): Rose Tattoo frontman Gary “Angry” Anderson has died aged 79, with the band confirming his passing and asking for privacy. Tour News: Ticketmaster will allow refunds for Ed Sheeran’s Gillette Stadium shows after the Macklemore “Free Palestine” controversy led to lineup changes. International Music: U2 announces new studio album Carnaval De Luz (Nov 13) with track “Silencio,” while Hilary Duff extends her Lucky Me tour with 32 added dates including KeyBank Center (Oct 11, 2027). Community & Culture: Sea Stories returns to Newcastle as an immersive sunrise listening experience built around ocean-linked voices.

Strokes Mania: The Strokes have announced four Australian headline dates for February 2027, kicking off in Brisbane (Feb 13) before Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena (Feb 16-17) and the inaugural Sydney Summertime at Centennial Park (Feb 20), with Beck and Courtney Barnett joining the bill for the east coast run. AFL Grand Final Soundtrack: Kylie Minogue will headline the AFL decider at the MCG on Saturday, joined by G-Flip, Michael Paynter and Up There Cazaly singer Mike Brady, with Minogue also paying tribute to late mentor Michael Gudinski ahead of the performance. ARIA Awards Buzz: Tame Impala and Genesis Owusu lead the pack for the 40th ARIA Awards with eight nominations each, while Ecca Vandal follows closely with seven; Dom Dolla, DMA’S and Troye Sivan also score multiple nods. Ticket Scalping Watch: Electric Avenue passes for Christchurch’s sold-out festival are already being resold online for up to four times face value, sparking fan backlash over scalpers. Country Festival Drop: CMC Rocks QLD returns to Willowbank Raceway in March 2027 with Brooks & Dunn, Eric Church and Ashley McBryde headlining, plus a big Aussie and Kiwi lineup including Kaylee Bell. Tech & Music Crossovers: Meta’s Connect 2026 announcements include new VR glasses and audio smart glasses, with an AI agent set to come to Australia, while reports also claim an OpenAI agent hacked Medicare. Industry Loss: Australian rock icon Angry Anderson (Rose Tattoo) has died at 79 after a cardiac arrest during the band’s farewell tour.

Obituary: Australian rock icon Gary “Angry” Anderson (Rose Tattoo) has died aged 79, with the band confirming he passed away on 21 September surrounded by loved ones; he was behind the worldwide hit “Suddenly,” famously used in Kylie Minogue and Jason Donovan’s Neighbours wedding scene, and had recently been hospitalised in Germany, forcing Rose Tattoo to cancel parts of its 50th anniversary tour. Australian Parliament & music legacy: Ilaiyaraaja was honoured in Australia with a ceremonial stamp marking 50 years in cinema, adding to the global recognition of the composer’s decades-long influence. New music (international, but with Australia relevance): Queens of the Stone Age released “Where the Goth Girls At?” ahead of their October 30 album Perfecth, with the band also set to play Australia later in the year. Live & culture: Sea.Hear.Now returned as a major community music festival in the US, while Australia’s touring calendar continues to build with major headline and tribute events flagged across the week.

National music honours: Ilaiyaraaja marked 50 years in cinema with a ceremonial stamp released at Australian Parliament, with Sydney and Brisbane dates on his golden jubilee tour. Rock legend farewell: Gary “Angry” Anderson, Rose Tattoo frontman and youth advocate, has died aged 79 after a cardiac arrest, with the band’s “One Last Ride” tour plans thrown into mourning. Local music + community: Emerging Wollongong indie-pop-rock band Roomates headline a free Thrive Wellness Festival set in Kurrajong this October, bringing “new wave of pub rock” energy to the Hawkesbury. Sport-meets-pop spotlight: ANDY’s new single “Can’t Wait” leans into football chants and intimate recordings, positioning him as a pop artist with deep jazz/soul roots. Big live-music business: HOYTS will run an encore cinema season for The Songs of John Farnham tribute concert after a sold-out Rod Laver Arena screening. Music in the news cycle: Madonna and Charli xcx confirm a remix of “Danceteria” titled “Danceteria Afterhours,” landing this week.

New Music & Releases: Australian singer Julia Jacklin drops “If I Had The Hand Of God” ahead of her album The Gem (out Sept 25), with a Vegas-shot video. Troye Sivan keeps the momentum for She’s The Best (Oct 9), talking up Jack Antonoff’s “alive and vibrant” studio process and revealing the track’s inspiration from women in his life. Hardcore/Alt: Primitive Blast return with the new EP D.I.D., while Uncle Acid & The Deadbeats release Shapes of Midnight and tee up Australian dates. Tours & Live: Ministry share “Singularity” from final album Hate To Go (Oct 30) and confirm Australian shows in December. Industry/Tech & Culture: London venues clamp down on smart glasses over covert recording and privacy fears. Pop Culture: Taylor Swift announces new single “Patient Zero” for Sept 25, plus a new MTV VMA honour for her directing work.

NRL Grand Final Music Fallout: The NRL will have no pre-game entertainment at Accor Stadium after talks with Tones and I collapsed, with the league instead saying it will donate the money to grassroots clubs. AFL Grand Final Pop Power: Meanwhile, Kylie Minogue is already rehearsing at the MCG for a 20-minute pre-match set, with reports of a big production involving dancers and zip-line staging. John Farnham Tribute: Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena hosted a massive John Farnham celebration with 120+ performers, including Celine Dion (remote), Chris Martin, Keith Urban, Jimmy Barnes, Tina Arena and Jessica Mauboy—Farnham himself stayed home due to health. ARIA/AI Music Rules: Wholly AI-generated recordings have been disqualified from ARIA charts in Australia, as the industry grapples with AI’s place in music. Tour News: UK rapper Nemzzz announces a 2027 Australia run; Australian producer Ninajirachi adds 12 North American dates for her I Love My Computer tour. Emerging Talent: Shepparton National Piano Award finalists are set for October recitals, with tickets via Riverlinks.

ARIA Rules Update: ARIA has amended its charts code to disqualify recordings “mostly or entirely” generated by generative AI, aiming to keep the ARIA Charts “substantially human made” after controversy over an AI-assisted Madonna cover. Global AI Governance: Leaders from 20 countries, including Australia’s Anthony Albanese, backed a push for tighter international oversight of advanced AI ahead of UNGA talks, with major powers like the US, UK and China not signing. Live Music Milestone: RÜFÜS DU SOL’s Inhale/Exhale tour has become the highest-grossing electronic tour on Billboard Boxscore, pulling in $158m from 1.7m tickets across four continents. Australian Tribute Moment: Celine Dion, Chris Martin and Keith Urban joined a sold-out Melbourne tribute for John Farnham, with Farnham unable to attend due to health. Touring News: James Marriott announced 2027 world tour dates supporting his album Warning Signs, with Australian shows in October. Festival/Community: Minstrel Taffie says Melbourne and Perth’s Grateful Experience highlighted African gospel unity across Australia.

John Farnham Tribute Update: Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena hosted “The Songs of John Farnham: A Living Legend” with 120+ performers and a 38-piece orchestra raising funds for Head and Neck Cancer Australia, but Farnham himself didn’t attend as his family says his health has deteriorated—he now needs continuous oxygen support, a wheelchair and 24-hour nursing care at home. Radio Shake-up (Sydney): ARN confirmed Dr Chris Brown will take the KIIS FM Sydney breakfast slot from Nov 9, alongside Amy Gerard and Jack Charles, after Kyle & Jackie O’s exit. Big Melbourne Live Add: UK DJ Calvin Harris announces his first Australian headline tour, landing at Flemington Racecourse on Feb 26, 2027 (plus Perth/Brisbane/Sydney dates). Local Music/Community: The Wiggles and the Hellenic Studies Foundation launch “Celebrate Greek Language and Culture with Lucia and The Wiggles,” with a new album, YouTube content and free resources for kids. New Venue: Melbourne’s Underpass opens under a freeway with Bicep (Nov 1-2) and Fatboy Slim (Mar 12-13, 2027) already booked. Charity + Culture: LVLY becomes official floristry partner of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra for 2026/27, supplying flowers for select performances and events.

John Farnham Tribute Concert: Keith Urban and Celine Dion joined a star-studded Melbourne tribute for John Farnham, but Farnham himself stayed home as his family confirmed worsening health, including continuous oxygen support and wheelchair use. Gaza/Israel Controversy in Pop: Ed Sheeran returned to the stage in Philadelphia addressing Israel-Gaza, after a week of fallout from Macklemore being removed from his tour over Palestine comments; support acts reportedly walked away and ticket prices reportedly dropped. AI Music Scam Alert: A test found AI-generated songs can be slipped onto real artists’ verified Spotify pages via digital distributors, with royalties flowing to scammers. Music & Memory Research: Monash University research suggests regular listening or playing music in older age is linked to a significantly lower dementia risk. Australian Tour Update: Charlie Puth has cancelled his Australia and New Zealand dates for his 2026 tour, with refunds expected. Local Spotlight: Melbourne folk-pop multi-instrumentalist Way Dynamic signs with Jagjaguwar and is re-releasing his 2025 album Massive Shoe internationally.

AI & Streaming Fraud: A test by 404 Media shows scammers can generate AI songs and cover art, then use digital distributors to attach tracks to real artists’ verified Spotify pages—without hacking—so royalties flow to the fraudster. Copyright & Policy: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says Australia can’t sit on the sidelines of the AI race, pushing for “international protocols” while refusing to rule out changes to copyright laws for AI investment, even as creators demand control. Health & Live Music: John Farnham’s family says the icon will miss his Melbourne tribute concert at Rod Laver Arena due to deteriorating health, including continuous oxygen support, a wheelchair, and 24-hour nursing care. Tour Controversy: Ed Sheeran resumes his US run amid fallout from Macklemore being dropped over pro-Palestine comments; Sheeran apologised for “mistakes” and called Gaza “catastrophic.” Community Music: Alice Springs venue The Black Wreath hit its $1m goal to buy its building and turn the block into a creative hub, with artists including Amyl and the Sniffers backing the campaign. Anime Music Live: Abu Dhabi’s Cultural Foundation will host an anime-music concert on Oct 17 featuring Feat. A and singer Noristry, with Sydney dates for Noristry noted.

Health Update: John Farnham’s family says the singer will miss his Rod Laver Arena tribute concert after his health deteriorated, with continuous oxygen support and 24-hour nursing care now required. TV Spotlight: Delta Goodrem is set to debut on Strictly Come Dancing 2026 during tonight’s launch show, with the season’s revamped hosts and new pro dancers. Local Live Music: Melbourne’s The Fray announce a 2027 Australia & New Zealand run, including indoor headline dates and Lookout Festival outdoor appearances, supporting March 2026 album A Light That Waits. Touring Internationally: Malian desert blues pioneers Tinariwen add Australian dates in Feb–Mar 2027, including WOMADelaide stops. Metal News: Reunited Australian thrashers MORTAL SIN say new music is likely after upcoming FLOTSAM AND JETSAM shows in Australia. Charts: Ella Langley’s “Choosin’ Texas” holds No.1 for a 14th non-consecutive week on the ARIA Singles Chart. Festival/Scene: Iceland Airwaves returns to Reykjavík 5–7 Nov 2026 with 100+ acts across multiple venues. Security & Culture: Frequency Forest cancels five Israeli DJs after threats, with organisers also forced to change locations.

Ed Sheeran Tour Fallout: Pro-Palestine protests are planned outside Sheeran’s Philadelphia show after Macklemore was dropped from the US run, with support acts and band members also quitting in solidarity. Local Live Music: Charlie Puth has cancelled his upcoming Australian and New Zealand arena dates, with refunds automatically processed. New Music + Touring: Indie-folk duo Good Habits will play an album launch show in the UK ahead of Better for Now (Oct 9), with Australia/NZ dates lined up for early 2027. Australian Icon Update: John Farnham’s son Rob says the singer still belts out songs at home despite oral cancer surgery, though live performing is off the table. Festival Watch: Port Fairy Folk Festival returns for its 50th anniversary in March 2027. Pop Culture Buzz: Troye Sivan drops steamy medieval “Party” video featuring Ian McKellen narration.

Artist & Album Review: Beck’s new album Ride Lonesome leans back into the heartbreak-and-melancholy lane that made Sea Change a standout, but critics say it too often replays familiar sounds without the same spark. Industry Deal: CAA has signed Greek-Australian filmmaker Nick Kozakis after his horror feature Kick On premiered at Toronto, with the director also known for directing 100+ music videos including Tones and I’s “Dance Monkey.” Live Music (Australia): Belle and Sebastian turned a Perth cancellation into an impromptu park gig at Langley Park after equipment was delayed, with Stuart Murdoch inviting fans to bring instruments and join in. Touring (Australia): WAAPA graduate Emma Caporaso makes her pro debut as Veronica Sawyer in Heathers The Musical on tour, while Hayley Williams announces her first-ever solo Australian shows in Sydney and Melbourne for February 2027. New Releases: Cabal drops “Hurt Me” featuring Justine Jones, and The National’s Matt Berninger releases EP Type It Up with covers including New Order’s “Blue Monday.” International Spotlight: Troye Sivan releases “Party” with a medieval-themed video sampling Madonna’s “Music.”

Solo touring: Hayley Williams has announced her first-ever Australian solo headline shows, landing at Sydney’s Enmore Theatre (Feb 10, 2027) and Melbourne’s Forum (Feb 17, 2027), with the dates sitting right before Laneway Festival. New music: Adelaide rock act PASH released the single “Suffer,” following BIGSOUND momentum and a run of sold-out shows. International spotlight with Aussie links: Burna Boy will headline halftime at the NFL’s first regular-season game in Paris (Oct 25), adding another major music moment to the league’s global push. Local culture on a major stage: Sydney Opera House hosted “Rhythms of Lanka,” a Sri Lankan music and tourism celebration featuring local contemporary artists and a live orchestra. Music + screen: Ukrainian romantic comedy “The Chervona Ruta Train” is set for Australian cinema screenings starting Sept 19 in Sydney, with Perth dates also announced. Industry/creative policy: Australia’s copyright debate over AI keeps heating up, with fresh reporting on how proposed rules could affect creators.

Australian Tour News: Bryan Adams has added two 2027 dates to his Australian run, including a second and final Sydney arena show at Afterpay Arena (Feb 27) and a one-night-only Bare Bones acoustic set at The Star Gold Coast (Mar 2). Album Release: Metalcore band Kingdom Of Giants will release “Usurper” on Nov 13, featuring new bassist/clean vocalist JT Gutierrez, with the official video for “Reign” out now. Local Music Release: Australian producer 1tbsp (Maxwell Byrne) drops “Wish You Luck” featuring kid on air, with a video co-directed by Byrne and Elif Gündüz. Live Music Drama: Belle and Sebastian cancelled their Perth Astor Theatre show after critical equipment was delayed by freight from the East Coast—then Stuart Murdoch invited ticket holders to an impromptu Langley Park meet-up with instruments. Industry/Policy Watch: Artists and rights holders are pushing back hard on Australia’s latest AI copyright proposals, arguing creative work is being treated as “under the bus” in licensing and access changes. Community & Culture: Music-related fundraising continues to ripple through Australia’s wider cultural scene, with local supporters backing Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library via a renewed matching-grant push.

Touring & Tickets: Harry Styles has added more dates to his Together, Together Tour, with new London shows going on general sale at 11am today, and a fresh run of stadium dates across North America, Europe and the UK. Big Aussie Live News: Empire of the Sun has announced its biggest-ever Australia and New Zealand tour, Ask That God: Afterlife, landing in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth in Feb–Mar 2027. More Major Tours: Calvin Harris confirms his first-ever Australian headline tour for February 2027, and Leon Bridges locks in a 2027 Australian run. Regional Music Funding: WA’s Regional Creative Industries Fund will back three 2027 touring projects for regional and remote communities, including a comedy puppet musical and WA Symphony Orchestra regional program. Festival Spotlight: Surf + Sound returns to Manly across three weekends in October/November, with a live music lineup featuring Skegss, The Whitlams, Skunkhour, GANGgajang and more. Industry & Policy: Australia’s biggest media and music groups are pushing for answers in talks with the Attorney-General’s Department over AI rules that would force commercial deals for copyrighted content. Loss: The Heroes’ lead singer Peter de Jong has died aged 74, remembered for his role in the 1979 Star Hotel riot.