Splendour in the Grass is moving to its new base in the North Byron Parklands later this year, and they could have one hell of a headliner to celebrate their housewarming.
Muse have emerged as a possibility to headline Australia’s version of Glastonbury after the band were announced as one of the headliners for the Summer Sonic Festival in Japan overnight.
Metallica and The Stone Roses will also play the Japanese mega festival – which takes place in Osaka and Tokyo on August 10 and 11. Given Japan’s close proximity to Australia, the festival has been seen as an indicator of acts that may kick on and visit Australia either before or after Summer Sonic (usually before).
While dates are yet to be locked in for Splendour 2013, the event is traditionally held on the last weekend of July or the first weekend of August. The former has been the case for the last three years.
Given the dates, one would think that if Muse were to come to Australia for Splendour in the Grass, they would have to do a couple of sideshows in the major cities to pad out the time before making the trip to Japan for Summer Sonic.
Another thing to consider is that the band’s last four visits to Australia have all been promoted by Big Day Out’s Ken West and his former business partner Vivian Lees. Triple M reported back in November that the band were looking for a tour between October-December 2013, and no deal had been done with a promoter yet.
Furthermore, in an interview with triple j back in August, frontman Matt Bellamy told The Doctor that the band were hoping to do outside stadium shows in Australia for the first time when they visit in 2013.
So, it could be a long shot, but maybe we will see Muse on our shores sooner rather than later – and it would be a huge coup for Splendour organisers if they are able to do so.
Oh, and you can rule out fellow Summer Sonic acts Metallica and The Stone Roses for Splendour – given they will both be here in March to headline Soundwave and Future Music Festival respectively.
