Parkway Drive’s rise from teenage metal outsiders to global heavyweights is one of Australian heavy music’s great success stories. In 2026, they return home for a landmark, full-circle moment: their first hometown show since their last Byron Bay appearance in 2014, and their first-ever performance at Bluesfest, Australia’s most awarded music festival.
The Everblack Podcast caught up with Winston McCall from Parkway Drive to discuss the band’s historic headline slot at Bluesfest, the significance of returning to Byron Bay, and the heavier new direction of their upcoming music. Winston also talks about Parkway’s role as a gateway band for heavy music, how live shows are changing perceptions of metal in Australia, and their upcoming Opera House live album and film, the Hellbound Cruise, and why the band’s future is looking bigger and louder than ever.
Watch/listen to the interview here:
Formed in Byron Bay in 2003 and fronted by Winston McCall alongside guitarists Jeff Ling and Luke Kilpatrick, bassist Jia O’Connor, and drummer Ben Gordon, Parkway Drive have spent more than two decades redefining the sound, scale and spectacle of modern heavy music. Their eight studio albums released through Epitaph Records have delivered international chart success, including multiple top positions across Europe, the UK and the US. Darker Still became the band’s third consecutive number one album on the ARIA Chart and earned the 2023 ARIA Award for Best Hard Rock / Heavy Metal Album.
Across their career, Parkway Drive have amassed six ARIA Gold albums, four number one ARIA albums, two Platinum DVDs, three ARIA Music Awards, and the 2024 APRA Award for Most Performed Hard Rock / Heavy Metal Work. Renowned for their explosive, theatrical live shows, the band have headlined the world’s biggest festivals, toured with Metallica, Slipknot and Lamb of God, completed sold out arena tours across Australia and Europe, and in 2025 performed with a full symphony orchestra at the Sydney Opera House. Their Bluesfest appearance marks a historic homecoming for one of Australia’s most successful global bands.
Since its humble beginnings in 1990, Bluesfest Byron Bay has grown into one of the world’s most significant music festivals. Recognised globally and honoured with dozens of awards, Bluesfest has presented legends including BB King, Buddy Guy, Santana, Bob Dylan, Paul Simon, Mary J Blige, Robert Plant, Kendrick Lamar, Dave Matthews Band, John Mayer, Taj Mahal, Lauryn Hill, and countless more. Today, Bluesfest continues its proud tradition of bringing together the best in Blues, Roots, Soul, Rock, and beyond across multiple stages, with a program that also features camping, food experiences, family activities, and cultural celebrations. Each Easter, tens of thousands of fans gather at the beautiful 300-acre Byron Events Farm, just 11km north of Byron Bay, to be part of this unique festival community. In 2026, we invite you to join us once again for a four-day celebration of music, culture, and connection. Recognised globally for its excellence, Bluesfest has earned numerous accolades, making it the most awarded music festival in the Australian entertainment industry.
Bluesfest 2026 runs Thursday, April 2nd to Sunday, April 5th at Byron Events Farm, Byron Bay.
Tickets: https://www.bluesfest.com.au/tickets
