https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/n...t/news-story/83bf403965079071916024c6da501fe1
NRL returns to pure Aussie rock for grand final entertainment
Jack Houghton, The Daily Telegraph
September 7, 2018 12:00am
THE NRL has ditched international stars and politics for a return dose of pure homegrown Aussie rock for the grand final.
This year’s pre-game show will be provided by
rising rock legends Gang of Youths, who also happen to be diehard footy fans out of rugby league’s multicultural Western Sydney heartland.
The band, formed in 2012 after meeting at a Hillsong church event, has racked up two hit albums and four ARIA awards with a US tour planned straight after the grand final.
NRL organisers said they wanted to go in a “slightly different” direction after last year’s US
headliner Macklemore used the show to dive into the same-sex marriage debate.
The rapper performed his gay rights anthem Same Love, igniting a row between the NRL and former prime minister Tony Abbott, who declared “footy fans shouldn’t be subjected to a politicised grand final”.
Gang of Youths will perform three of their hits that made the top 10 of last year’s Triple J’s Top 100.
Frontman Dave Le’aupepe said he was incredibly proud to perform at the grand final and was hoping the South Sydney Rabbitohs would make it.
“We’re Sydney boys and footy has always been a significant part of our lives,” he said.
“I’m a Souths fan and Samoan. I can’t guarantee that the Rabbitohs will be there, but this will be a very proud moment for me and my family.”
The selection of Gang of Youths harks back to previous Aussie bands who have rocked the grand final including Cold Chisel (2015), You Am I (2010) and Wolfmother (2009). International artists have had a mixed record, with the low point being Billy Idol’s glitch-ridden 2002 performance.
NRL chief commercial officer Andrew Abdo said: “After the success of last year’s entertainment, we wanted to go back a slightly different genre — just a great Aussie rock show from one of the best young bands in the business.
“Gang of Youths are relevant, they are home grown, they are contemporary, and they are renowned for producing one of the best live shows going around.”
The band is known for songs Deepest Sighs, Frankest Shadows and Let Me Down Easy.
