News 17 August 2016

ARIA Launches 30 Year Celebrations

The 30th Annual ARIA Awards Presented By Telstra returns to The Star, Sydney and will be broadcast on TEN on Wednesday, November 23.

ARIA Launches 30 Year Celebrations

The 30th Annual ARIA Awards Presented By Telstra returns to The Star, Sydney and will be broadcast on TEN on Wednesday, November 23.

Australia’s biggest and best music acts will come together at The Star, Sydney to celebrate 30 glorious years of the ARIA Awards on Wednesday, November 23. The 2016 ARIA Awards Presented By Telstra and proudly supported by the NSW Government, through its tourism and major events agency Destination NSW is destined to be the biggest ceremony yet and a milestone to remember.

It was back in early 1987 Sir Elton John hosted the very first ARIA Awards at the Sheraton Wentworth Hotel in Sydney, and was joined by the inaugural ARIA winners including John Farnham, INXS, and Crowded House. Over the next three decades the ARIA Awards has become the pinnacle event on the Australian music calendar, forging careers, creating icons, and playing host to countless magic moments and performances.

The ARIAs will celebrate its 30-year history with a show that will feature star-studded performances from current and iconic artists, with very special guest appearances from around Australia and the world.

ARIA is thrilled to continue its partnership with Network Ten, who will broadcast this year’s show around Australia. The 2015 ARIA Awards delivered increased ratings, was the #1 show for 16-39 year olds, and achieved the most social #ARIAs ever, generating 109 million Twitter impressions around the world.

The ARIAs will also continue to be broadcast throughout Asia with STAR World taking Australia’s best artists into the homes of millions of people across the region.

ARIA Chairman and Chairman & CEO of Sony Music Entertainment Australia & New Zealand and President, Asia, Denis Handlin AM, said:

“On behalf of the ARIA Board, we are thrilled to be celebrating The 30th Annual ARIA Awards at The Star, Sydney – a night which will highlight three decades of brilliant performances and incredible artists across all genres of Australian music.

“We are delighted to once again be working with our valued presenting partner Telstra to recognise those artists that have captured the nation’s imagination both in the past and in the present.

“We are also very pleased to continue our partnership with the NSW Government, which is supporting the 30th ARIAs celebrations as well as the exciting schedule of events for ARIA Week 2016.”

ARIA Chief Executive Officer, Dan Rosen, said:

“The 30th ARIA Awards provides an opportunity for ARIA and the music industry to celebrate its incredible history, amazing artists and moments that have captured the nation’s imagination.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with Telstra to offer Australian music fans a truly unique and memorable experience as we celebrate 30 years of the ARIA Awards.

“2016 has delivered an extraordinary year in Australian music - not only have Australian artists achieved success locally, but they are making their mark globally. We look forward to celebrating these accomplishments, along with memorable moments from yesteryear on the ARIA Stage with stellar live performances, unforgettable collaborations and special guest appearances.”

Australian artists including Flume, Sia, Troye Sivan, The Avalanches and Keith Urban have featured strongly on charts around the world. Locally there have been a phenomenal 19 #1 Australian albums since September 2015.

5 Seconds Of Summer – ‘Sounds Good Feels Good’

Boy & Bear – ‘Limit Of Love’

Delta Goodrem – ‘Wings Of The Wild’

Flume – ‘Skin’

Hillsong Worship – ‘Open Heaven/River Wild’

Hilltop Hoods – ‘Drinking From The Sun, Walking Under Stars – Restrung’

Human Nature – ‘Gimme Some Lovin': Jukebox Vol. II’

Jimmy Barnes – ‘Soul Searchin’

Keith Urban – ‘Ripcord’

Matt Corby – ‘Telluric’

Parkway Drive – ‘Ire’

Rüfüs – ‘Bloom’

Sia – ‘This Is Acting’

The Avalanches – ‘Wildflower’

The Cat Empire – ‘Rising With The Sun’

The Temper Trap – ‘Thick As Thieves’

triple j – ‘Like A Version – Volume 11’

Troye Sivan – ‘Wild’ mini-album

Violent Soho – ‘Waco’

During this period, two Australian singles - Flume feat. Kai – ‘Never Be Like You’ and The Veronicas – ‘In My Blood’ (2 weeks) - have claimed the #1 spot on the ARIA Singles Chart. 

It was also the first time since August 2004 that Australian female artists have simultaneously been at the top of both the ARIA Singles (The Veronicas – ‘In My Blood’) and Albums Charts (Delta Goodrem – ‘Wings Of The Wild’).

ARIA and the NSW Government, through Destination NSW, are also pleased to announce the return of ARIA Week for its fifth consecutive year in 2016.

NSW Minister for Trade, Tourism and Major Events, Stuart Ayres, said, “Sydney is the proud home of the ARIA Awards and in keeping with this year’s 30th celebrations, ARIA Week will host 30 unique performances across NSW. The program will feature a broad and eclectic range of showcases, curated performances, and conferences, including the popular ARIA Masterclass. ARIA Week brings the music industry together and offers the community unprecedented access to Australian music in the lead-up to the ARIA Awards.”

The full ARIA Week schedule will be released in the coming months.

As well as watching the broadcast on Network Ten, music fans can join in the festivities watching their favourite artists arrive at The Star, Sydney on Wednesday, November 23.

Greg Hawkins, Managing Director for The Star said: "The Star is delighted to be celebrating this milestone of 30 years of musical brilliance with the Australian music industry. The Star Event Centre will be home to the ARIA Awards for the fourth year running, offering the very best in technical and audio visual facilities along with The Star’s range of world class facilities, accommodation, restaurants and after party venues.”

Over the coming months ARIA will be making a number of exciting announcements as part of the 30 year Anniversary celebrations.