Australian Rugby Union today announced 2003 Australian Idol winner Guy Sebastian as the headline act of the pre-match entertainment for the second Test of the DHL Australia 2013 Lions Tour.
The announcement comes just days after former Men At Work front man, Colin Hay had a packed Suncorp Stadium singing along with his classic Australian rock anthem, Down Under.
Sebastian, who has sold more than 3 million albums and singles combined worldwide since bursting on to the music scene in 2003, will perform his number one hit and eight times platinum single, Battle Scars.
The theme for the second Test pre-match show is ‘The Battle’, which is apt considering the Qantas Wallabies must win to remain alive in the best of three series.
The Aria award winning artist said he was excited to be able to set the scene on what would be an incredible encounter.
“I saw Colin Hay perform last week and it was an amazing atmosphere. I am really looking forward to being able to do that at Etihad Stadium this weekend,” Mr Sebastian said.
“With the roof closed the atmosphere will be electric, so I hope people arrive early to help me set the tone on what is going to be an incredible battle between giants of Rugby.”
In 2001 the Wallabies came from one Test down to win the series 2-1, a result which was thanks to some incredible acts of brilliance from Joe Roff and Matt Burke during the second Test at the same venue.
Moving forward 12 years and Australian Rugby fans will be hoping the modern day Qantas Wallabies can replicate the feats of their predecessors to level the series at one game apiece.
ARU CEO, Bill Pulver said that despite the Qantas Wallabies loss last weekend the highly anticipated DHL Australia 2013 Lions Tour had got off to a sensational start.
“While it was disappointing the result didn’t go the Qantas Wallabies way the atmosphere, the crowd, the pre-match entertainment and the Test itself were all fantastic,” Mr Pulver said.
“Last weekend Queensland set the standard at the level we all expected, very high. This weekend it is Melbourne’s turn to step it up and continue to build on the excitement of a Tour that comes to our shores just once every 12 years.
“Hopefully we’ll see people arriving early, dressed in Gold, to witness the fantastic talents of Guy Sebastian, as well as enjoy the beautiful voices of the Qantas Choir and some other great entertainment specific to the four home unions that make up the Lions..
“Having close to a full stadium to hear Colin Hay sing last weekend was incredible. I encourage all fans to plan their trips now, use public transport, arrive early and enjoy a wonderful occasion.”
The pre-game show will kick-off at 7:35pm and include performances from the Qantas Choir, a special acknowledgement of country, as well as a highlights package of the battle moments from the 1989 and 2001 Lions Tours, with highlights from the opening Test in Brisbane last weekend.
There will also be a special medley of drum performances, Irish dancing, bagpipes and violins to celebrate the four home unions of England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
