Australian rock band Killing Heidi is one of many acts tapping into a wave of anniversary tours, with their sold-out 25th anniversary shows for debut album Reflector reflecting a broader trend in the music industry. The band, who originally planned to celebrate the album at last year's Good Things festival, jumped at the chance for a dedicated tour after technical issues scuppered that plan.
Frontwoman Ella Hooper described the experience as emotional and nostalgic, noting that performing the album in full allowed the band to fully embrace their legacy. Sibling bandmate Jesse Hooper added that the tour was particularly poignant after the loss of both parents in 2022, saying they felt their parents' energy during the shows.
Killing Heidi is joined by artists including End of Fashion, Grinspoon, Jimmy Barnes, Little Birdy, Jebediah, Parkway Drive, Ben Lee and Cloud Control in hitting the road this year for anniversary tours. The trend is also reflected in festivals such as Good Things and Fridayz Live, which lean on 1990s and 2000s lineups, and throwback dance events like Ministry of Sound parties.
Industry figures point to several factors driving the boom. Stephen Wade, chief executive of Select Music, suggested that in a turbulent world, these shows offer a euphoric escape. Fiona Duncan, CEO of Music Victoria and longtime manager of Spiderbait, noted the same alchemy on the band's anniversary tour last year, describing it as a reunion-like experience that resonates with audiences.
Ben Lee, who kicked off a 20th anniversary tour for his album Awake Is the New Sleep last month, admitted he is generally anti-nostalgia but felt ready to pay tribute after his teenage daughter discovered the album's closing track in a video game. He acknowledged the significance these songs hold for fans, becoming part of the tapestry of their lives.
While no definitive research links anniversary tours to broader ticket-buying trends, the surge reflects deeper shifts in the Australian music landscape, where new artists are struggling to cut through and older generations are increasingly willing to revisit the past.
