Andrew Bird Adds Sideshow Dates To Bluesfest Plans

Venerated US troubadour Andrew Bird will play a pair of headline shows while in the country for next year's Byron Bay Bluesfest event, it has been announced.

The celebrated singer-songwriter will step out for a show each in Sydney and Melbourne, at the Opera House and Recital Hall, respectively.

The performances — along with his Bluesfest slot — mark Bird's first visit to Australia in more than five years, when he was last in the vicinity for Falls Festival and had no troubles at all selling out the Sydney Opera House, so it's a fair expectation to assume a similar response when tickets go on sale for these shows in a matter of days.

Further fuelling that speculation is the recent release of new album Are You Serious, his 13th full-length of any description since 1996's enduring debut LP Music Of Hair. His discography extends well beyond the typical constraints of most musicians' oeuvre, having not only created a wealth of solo material but six live albums, nine EP/single releases and an utter ream of collaborative appearances, including for bands and artists such as Squirrel Nut Zippers and Bonnie 'Prince' Billy.

To wit, tickets for both gigs will go on sale from 9am AEST this Thursday, 22 September. Dates and other booking details are available in theGuide.

See the Festivals tab for more information on Bluesfest.