Robert Plant, Morcheeba & More Announce Bluesfest 2018 Sideshows

Byron Bay Bluesfest has started the process of announcing which of its acts will be performing standalone sideshow dates when they're in the country for the annual festival next year.

The first crop of artists to take on some extracurricular activity for the benefit of local audiences include legendary Led Zeppelin frontman Robert Plant and his band, The Sensational Space Shifters, as well as The New Power Generation celebrating their late, great leader, Prince, British electronic heroes Morcheeba and US southern-rock jam vets Gov't Mule, with special guests Lukas Nelson & Promise Of The Real.

All of the acts in this initial batch carry some pretty significant weight behind their music: Plant, his storied status as one of the great vocalists and lyricists in rock history; The New Power Generation, their decades backing a genuine icon of popular music; Morcheeba's trailblazing work in trip hop and downtempo tunes; and Gov't Mule's pedigree in its origins as a side project for members of The Allman Brothers Band.

Nelson, while a newer sensation than his fellow sideshow artists, has nonetheless made an impact over the past decade or so. A son of the great Willie Nelson, he turned heads with his appearance on his father's 2012 album Heroes, a couple years after releasing his own debut album, and with his bandmates went on to work with Neil Young as his touring and studio band. They released their self-titled fourth studio full-length back in August.

A pre-sale for all shows will start this Wednesday, 18 October, from 10am AEDT (except Robert Plant & The Sensational Space Shifters, which will also hold a pre-sale for Optus Perks customers from now through 9am AEDT Wednesday).

General-public tickets will go on sale from 10am AEDT this Friday, 20 October.

See below for show details.

Bluesfest Touring: First Sideshows

Robert Plant & The Sensational Space Shifters

Monday 26 and Tuesday 27 March: Sydney Opera House
Sunday 1 and Monday 2 April: Palais Theatre, Melbourne
Sunday 8 April: Riverside Theatre, Perth

Playing Bluesfest Friday 30 March.

The New Power Generation

Monday 26 and Tuesday 27 March: 170 Russell, Melbourne
Wednesday 28 March: Enmore Theatre, Sydney

Playing Bluesfest Friday 30 and Saturday 31 March.

Morcheeba

Thursday 29 March: Metro Theatre, Sydney
Friday 30 March: 170 Russell, Melbourne

Playing Bluesfest Sunday 1 and Monday 2 April.

Gov't Mule w/ Lukas Nelson & Promise Of The Real

Monday 26 March: Metro Theatre, Sydney
Tuesday 27 March: The Corner, Melbourne

Gov't Mule play Bluesfest Thursday 29 and Friday 30 March.
Lukas Nelson & Promise Of The Real play Bluesfest Thursday 29 March, Saturday 31 March, Sunday 1 and Monday 2 April.

Head to theGuide for all booking details.