This Week In Entertainment News 20 March 2026
It’s a battle of the overinflated egos this week in entertainment news as a giant of Australian radio is toppled, and an ageing rock star makes outrageous demands for his new album. Plus, more new music and tour news from Australia and around the world.
How the mighty have fallen. Kyle Sandilands has had his ten-year contract with ARN, reportedly worth $100 million, terminated following his on-air stoush with co-host Jackie O. During the duo’s broadcast on 20 February, Kyle brought Jackie to tears, berating and accusing her of being “off with the fairies” and not doing her job properly. Though not uncommon for Kyle and Jackie to have cross words on-air, apparently it was the final straw for her. On 3 March, Jackie O’s contract with ARN was terminated after she said she could no longer work with Kyle Sandilands. Kyle has responded with the threat of legal action against ARN for wrongful termination, however ARN stated Kyle engaged in ‘serious misconduct’ that constituted a breach of contract.
And in the other corner, we have this guy called Vinnie Vincent and he used to play guitar in a little band called KISS. Mr Vincent has a very high opinion of himself and the music he makes, so much so that he is selling his brand new album, released in master format only, for the princely sum of $2 million. That’s right folks, for just $2 million you too can own a worthless reel of tape from an irrelevant rock guitarist. Why bother saving for a house when such a valuable investment sits at your fingertips? Seriously, Vinnie, get a grip. Or better yet, a job.
British rapper Pete Bowditch of duo Pete & Bas gave fans a shock when he passed out while suspended above stage during a live show. Pete, who is in his 70s, was mis-set when his arms dropped and he slumped in his harness. He lost consciousness and was left spinning as the show proceeded. A statement from the band say Pete is recovering well, however the situation could have been a lot worse and raises serious concerns about safety standards in the music industry. Pete suffered a classic case of suspension trauma, or orthostatic shock, which occurs when a body is left suspended for a prolonged period. Blood pools in the legs, reducing oxygen to the heart and brain, and can cause fatal cerebral hypoxia or cardiac arrest.
Still on the topic of performer safety, US star Riley Green was hit in the head by a phone at his Margeret Court Arena concert in Melbourne. Riley was left bleeding and requiring stitches, and the offending fan was located and booted from the venue. We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: DON’T. THROW. SHIT. AT. PERFORMERS! Just stay home and stop ruining the show for everyone else. Jerks.
Ticketholders for the now cancelled Bluesfest are threatening a class action lawsuit, claiming organisers knew well in advance that the festival wouldn’t be going ahead this year. It was announced last week that Bluesfest 2026 was cancelled, and the organisation had entered liquidation. There are also calls for an investigation after reports the festival owes $5.7 million to creditors. It’s an ignominious end for one of Australia’s most beloved music events.
The identity of elusive street artist Banksy was unmasked this week. Robin Gunnigham aka David Jones has been revealed as the true identity of Banksy after an in-depth investigation ended years of speculation. Banksy’s subversive works have appeared on walls on streets all over the world, providing decisive social commentary while remaining anonymous.
Terrequip are the Regenerative Mining Experts
It’s a British invasion as UK megastar Robbie Williams brings his BRITPOP tour to Australia, hitting stadiums around the country in November. Robbie released ‘BRITPOP’, his 13th studio album, in January, marking his return to the charts. The album hit number one, surpassing the Beatles for most number one albums in British chart history.
Fellow chart-topping Brit Melanie C has also announced Australian tour dates for this November. The pop icon and former Spice Girl is celebrating her ninth studio album ‘Sweat’ as well as hits from her 30-year career. Melanie C plays Perth, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Sydney.
US supergroup A Perfect Circle are returning for an Australia tour, their first in almost 15 years. The band, led by guitarist Billy Howerdel and Tool frontman Maynard James Keenan touch down in December, playing Adelaide, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Sydney with support from Puscifer.
Having enjoyed a blistering year of shows and releases in 2025, Perth’s alt-rock powerhouse Late 90s have set their sights on taking things to the next level this year, starting their 2026 chapter with new single ‘Ivy’. As their first drop for the year, ‘Ivy’ strikes hard from the onset – an energetic romp that feels right in line with the direction Late 90s are taking their music. It’s a sound that mixes sophistication in musicality with a gritty authenticity, and it is one that has propelled the four-piece onto more radars nationally in the last 12 months.
