Rock legends lined up to play in new Cairns music festival


Cairns can mark another major rock festival on its peak season calendar.

Some of Australia’s most loved 70s, 80s and 90s hit makers are heading to the Showgrounds on June 13 – just a day after the venue hosts Spring Loaded Festival.

Ian Moss, The Black Sorrows and Richard Clapton are among the ten acts set to play at the just-announced Sunset Sounds.



Sunset Sounds will take a whole generation back to a time when rock ‘n roll was a way of life and there wasn’t a camera phone in sight.

The full line-up features Ian Moss, The Black Sorrows, Richard Clapton, Glenn Shorrock, Ross Wilson, Dragon, Shannon Noll, The Radiators, Mi-Sex and Bachelor Girl.

Tropic Now had a chat to Ian Moss, who’s also scheduled to play two shows at Tanks Arts Centre across April 16 and 17 as part of his Matchbook 30th Anniversary Tour.

The award-winning solo artist and Cold Chisel guitarist said he’s excited to play a few “fairly dynamic” shows.

“One minute I’m up smashing it out with a big sound but then I can go from fairly full-on to pin drop,” Moss said.

“Tucker’s Daughter, Telephone Booth, Pretty Face and Such a Beautiful Thing are absolutely musts.”

While up north Moss is also looking forward to a reef trip and hanging out with his long-time, much-respected mate and fellow guitarist, Wayne McIntosh.

“He is one of the world’s best guitarists as far as I’m concerned,” he said.

“I always try to sneak a few lessons in when I catch up with him.

Not a bad accolade coming from a man who’s been credited with being Australia’s best guitarist.

Sunset Sounds tickets can be purchased via Ticketek from 10am April 1.

Tickets to Ian Moss’ Tanks shows can be bought now from Ticketlink.