If Splendour in the Grass wasn’t in your calendar, its upcoming 20th anniversary should be. With the organisers hyping up their next lineup, speculation is pointing to one of their biggest lineups yet. With an earlier than usual lineup announcement on the horizon, let’s dive into the rumours and predict ten acts we’ll see at Splendour in the Grass 2020!
Travis Scott
Photo courtesy of Lorne Thomson
Travis Scott is at the height of his powers. ‘Astroworld’ broke his distinct brand of rap well into the mainstream. After a legendary 2016 Listen Out appearance, fans have been eagerly awaiting Scott’s notorious live show to return down under, with the cancellation of the ill-fated Sandtunes festival further postponing Scott’s return.
Splendour recently capitalised on Childish Gambino’s withdrawal from Spilt Milk, and we can see the same thing occurring with Scott. The ball is in Splendour’s court, Australia is ready for Travis Scott.
Rage Against the Machine
Photo courtesy of the band
With so much hype circulating around reunion tours (we’re looking at you, My Chemical Romance), the reunion announcement of Rage Against the Machine sent every head-banging fan into a frenzy. With a spot on the Coachella bill, RATM would be the exact legacy act that would make Splendour’s 20th anniversary so iconic.
In spite of that fake poster, we’re still thinking its legit. In fact, the hype surrounding the fake leak could very well be the reason that the Splendour promotors are jumping the gun on announcing the lineup early, as we’re sure that they’re not taking their 20th anniversary lightly. Splendour is renowned for booking beloved bands of years past, and there’s no better time to book Rage after Denzel Curry’s Like a Version. Rage is in the air!
Lana Del Rey
Photo courtesy of Tristan Fewings
The grand, sweeping ballads of Lana Del Rey seem purpose-built for a cold night at the Byron Bay amphitheatre. Charged with defiance and wit, Lana’s dark pop has been the catalyst for her transformation from an icon of the Tumblr era, to an outcast pop idol.
Her most recent endeavour, ‘Norman F*****g Rockwell’, finds her sound considerably stripped back all the while laying everything on the table. We could only imagine Lana providing the soundtrack to the final night in Byron Bay, our highlights and regrets of the weekend in her hands as she commands the crowd with one of pop’s strongest voices.
The 20th anniversary should be a celebration of who has paved the way for music during Splendour’s lifetime, and if anyone has paved their own way through pop, it is Lana.
Violent Soho
Photo courtesy of Sean Pyke
Australia needs Violent Soho. It has been four long years since their mighty WACO album, which saw them blend grunge with hardcore to solidify themselves as one of Australia’s finest rock bands. Recent singles ‘A-OK’ and ‘Vacation Forever’ has given fans a taste of what’s to come, and they’re loving it.
While the band’s appearance at Good Things festival last year marked their return, the Brisbane rockers are yet to be seen on any other lineup or tour for 2020. Soho’s last Splendour appearance was one to remember, and they can only up the ante for their next visit.
Isaiah Rashad
Photo courtesy of Barry Brecheisen
Upon Schoolboy Q’s appearance in 2017, the Splendour promoters have closely worked with his label TDE ever since. With labelmates Kendrick Lamar and SZA performing in 2018 and 2019 respectively, it’s more than likely that 2020 will feature another TDE artist.
Enter Isiah Rashad, the Tennessee rapper who proved his worth on the acclaimed ‘The Sun’s Tirade’, an album that has kept fans eager for more since its 2016 release. His long-awaited follow up has been slowly teased over the past year and will all too likely drop around his potential Splendour in the Grass appearance.
Powderfinger
Photo courtesy of the band
We had to sneak this one in. An appearance by Powderfinger would be the pinnacle of an Aussie reunion act. It would mark Splendour’s 20th anniversary perfectly, as they headlined their very first two festivals way back when. We caught a glimpse of the insane potential of such a reunion at Splendour 2017 and haven’t stopped dreaming of an entire festival set ever since
Boy and Bear
Photo courtesy of Daniel Boud
Much like Violent Soho, Boy and Bear have recently come out of hiatus to much fanfare. The beloved indie-folk band returned in 2019 with ‘Suck on Light’, a record that documented the challenges faced by front man Dave Hosking after an illness hindered his musical ability for the past few years.
The band’s 2016 Splendour performance is one remembered fondly by many, and a long overdue appearance is on the cards for 2020.
Glass Animals
Photo courtesy of the band
Glass Animals are made for festivals. Sun-tinged beats and smooth vocals make for a perfect set, and time after time Glass Animals have brought their touring party down under.
An intimate surprise Sydney set last November teased Aussie fans for a fully-fledged performance, and Splendour punters would undoubtedly welcome the British lads back with welcome arms.
Gang of Youths
Photo courtesy of Patrick Rohl
The past two years have been a victory lap for Gang of Youths. Their adored ‘Go Farther in Lightness’ record marked their dominance in 2017, and an extensive and acclaimed tour followed.
Splendour in the Grass 2018 was one of their most memorable. If it’s not frontman David Le’aupepe’s undeniable charm, it’s the band’s anthemic yet intimate sound that won the hearts of Splendour.
Gang of Youths are one of Australia’s finest live acts, and you get the feeling that the band will meet the hype surrounding their next album with the ferocity they’re known for. And you can expect to see it all unfold at Splendour in the Grass 2020.
Nothing But Thieves
Photo courtesy of Dave Imms
No strangers to Australia, English rock group Nothing But Thieves adore Australia. And we adore them, they are a staple of every Triple J Hottest 100 and many festivals. While the band have toured anywhere and everywhere over the past few years, they've yet to release any new material since 2017’s ‘Broken Machine’.
Time on the road and a wild few years of success point towards new music arriving this year, and their European festival run end just before Splendour in July, pointing towards a trip down under!
Splendour in the Grass marks its 20th anniversary this July, and the lineup will be bigger than ever. Keep up to date with all Splendour speculation and discussion here!