Australian rock band Powderfinger have officially confirmed they are reforming for a national tour starting from September 2027, marking their first live performances in 16 years. The announcement follows a wave of cryptic digital billboards and social media teasers that appeared across Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.
The 18-time ARIA-winning group last played live during their Sunsets Farewell Tour in 2010, which sold more than 200,000 tickets across 34 shows before the band split.
Cryptic Teasers and Official Confirmation
Speculation reached a frenzy after digital billboards displayed clues such as ALBUMS: 7
and ARIAS: 18
, alongside references linked to an Instagram account named The Return of the Electric Horsemen. The mystery ended when frontman Bernard Fanning, guitarists Darren Middleton and Ian Haug, bass guitarist John Collins and drummer Jon Coghill appeared together in a video posted to the band’s official social media accounts.
We always said that, if we were going to get back together to do some shows, that you guys would be the first to know,
Fanning said in the video, while Middleton added, We’re going to build something pretty special just for you guys. We’ll see you from the stage.
History and Prior Reunions
Formed in Brisbane in 1989, Powderfinger grew into one of the country’s most celebrated musical acts, securing five consecutive No 1 albums on the ARIA charts over 21 years. Since their 2010 breakup, the members have only partially reconvened twice: four members played a surprise set at Splendour in the Grass in 2017, and all five reunited virtually during COVID-19 lockdowns for a charity stream that raised more than $450,000 for Support Act and Beyond Blue.
Upcoming Tour Details
While the band confirmed that the tour will kick off from September next year, no further information regarding specific dates or venues has been released. The band’s social media caption directed fans to set alarm clocks for 6am on October 12, when additional details regarding the upcoming performances are expected to be made available.
