Iconic rock legends The Masters Apprentices return to headline Brisbane Winter Sessions
The Masters Apprentices are set to headline this year’s Brisbane Winter Sessions Festival, bringing one of Australia’s most enduring rock stories back to the city. The festival returns from August 2 to 16, featuring 14 events across 12 venues with more than 30 artists performing.
According to InDaily Queensland, the 2026 program spans Fortitude Valley, New Farm, West End, Newstead, and Woolloongabba. It promises a mix of Australian rock, international DJs, Balkan brass, African diaspora sounds, jazz, indie, singer-songwriters, and queer club culture.
A rare reunion for Australian rock history
ARIA Hall of Fame inductees The Masters Apprentices will perform at The Triffid in Newstead on Sunday, August 16. For the first time in more than 25 years, founding members Mick Bower and Brian Vaughton will be joined by songwriter and guitarist Doug Ford.
As reported by Time Off, this gathering reunites key creative figures from both eras of the band’s history. The group formed in Adelaide in 1965 and helped shape Australian rock with classics including Undecided, Living in a Child’s Dream, Turn Up Your Radio, and Because I Love You.
Their influence continues to resonate across generations. Artists including Radio Birdman, Silverchair, The Reels, Gnarls Barkley, and Hoodoo Gurus have covered or sampled their work. Festival organiser Tyrone Noonan describes the lineup as a “once-in-a-generation moment” that brings history to The Triffid.
A diverse city-wide soundscape
Organiser Tyrone Noonan says the festival reflects what Brisbane sounds like in 2026. “From ARIA Hall of Famers The Masters Apprentices to Balkan brass bands, music from the African diaspora, world-class international DJs, hidden laneway jazz clubs, indie rock fundraisers and queer club nights, there’s genuinely something for everyone,” Noonan said.
International DJ and producer DJ Vadim will headline a free event at Flying Colours in West End. He brings a blend of hip-hop, reggae, dub, soul, funk, and electronica, supported by DJ Katch from Resin Dogs and DJ Tyrone.
Grinspoon frontman Phil Jamieson brings his solo PJ Air Tour to Crowbar Brisbane. He will perform songs from his forthcoming sophomore album, 10Charlie.
Jazz, world music, and community connection
Jazz is well represented with performances from The Primetime Sextet at The Alligator Club and the Mitch Bellert Quintet at The Ruby Jazz Club. Dr Jeff Usher, a blind performer with a PhD in music composition from the University of Queensland, presents an intimate tribute to Ray Charles.
World music features strongly at Mirrorball Ministries. Queensland’s only Balkan/Eastern European brass band, Olifantenpad Brass Band, will perform music from Ukraine, Turkey, the Balkans, and Romania alongside GOSTI, whose members draw on percussion traditions from Nigeria and South India.
Diaspora Calling at Jiva on Brunswick offers a free celebration of African music and culture with DJs, live performances, and spoken word. At Black Bear Lodge, Raising the Roof Volume 03 raises funds for Brisbane Youth Service during National Homelessness Week.
Noonan emphasises that many events are free this year. “Live music should be accessible,” he said. “Whether you’re discovering a new artist at a suburban pub on a Thursday night or dancing to DJ Vadim in West End on a Sunday afternoon, Brisbane Winter Sessions is about gathering people through music, about community, and it’s about connection.”
The festival continues its support for local artists, venues, and the small businesses that rely on a strong night-time economy. The full program and ticketing information is available on the Brisbane Winter Sessions website.
