The search for NSW's best pub band returns. The statewide hunt is on as Rockin' the Puburbs returns.

After three years off-stage, the state’s ultimate pub band competition, Rockin’ the Puburbs, is back with live music heats to be held in Tamworth, the Illawarra, the Hunter, Central West and Sydney.

NSW Minister for Hospitality and Racing Kevin Anderson and AHA NSW CEO John Whelan launched the live music competition today.

The AHA NSW-backed competition is returning with a new format and a renewed emphasis on getting live music back into pubs.

“Many of Australia’s top music acts first got their start down at their local and this competition is our way of giving back and supporting the next generation of local talent,” Mr Whelan said.

“COVID had a huge and debilitating impact on live music venues over the past two years and this is one way we can help artists return to the stage and get our pubs rocking again.”

Entries are open to any pub act residing in New South Wales with at least one original track of its own. This year, 20 semi-finalists will be chosen to perform in one of five ‘battle-of-the-bands’ events in pubs across the state before the top five acts competing at at a live ‘Grand Final’ at a Sydney pub early in 2023.

The winner will receive a prize package valued at over $15,000 including an East Coast Pub Tour.

Minister Anderson said the NSW hotel industry had always been a big supporter of live music with more than 75,000 live music performances at pubs each year.

“This is a great initiative because encouraging new artists and giving them a platform to achieve on encourages a growing, vibrant live music industry,” the Minister said.

“Live music is a massive drawcard for people to attend their local venue, which in turn creates jobs. Pubs are such a valuable asset and the Australian Hotels Association should be congratulated for they work they do to support live music and the hospitality sector in general.”

Entries must be submitted by Thursday, 15 September 2022 at www.rockinthepuburbs.com.au.