Rob Potts Entertainment Edge, Chugg Entertainment and XYZ Networks are thrilled to announce that international superstars Tim McGraw and Faith Hill will be headlining CMC Rocks the Hunter 2012 festival at Hope Estate. Tickets are on sale now and available by clicking here.

Playing times are now online. Click here to view.

This will be FAITH HILL (USA)’s first concert in Australia, and the first time the power couple has performed together outside of North America. Their US tours have broken box office records in 2000 and again in 2006-7, when it grossed $141 million. Over 1.6 million people attended shows in the US and Canada and Pollstar Magazine chose it as ‘Major Tour of 2006’ over tours by The Rolling Stones and Madonna.

TIM McGRAW (USA) first visited Oz in 2010 with his Southern Voice tour, one of the biggest country tours in Australian history. His sold-out arena shows and headline performance at CMC Rocks North Queensland received rave reviews. Sydney fans were treated to a surprise appearance by Hill, who celebrated her birthday by joining her husband for a stunning performance of their duet ‘I Need You’.


Aussie audiences went crazy for DIERKS BENTLEY (USA) when he joined Brooks & Dunn on their sold-out 2009 Australian arena tour. Since he rocketed onto the country landscape in 2003, the chiselled hitmaker has earned a reputation as one of the most electrifying live acts in music today, with a string of chart topping hits and album sales climbing over 5 million in the US. Dierks will be releasing his seventh album, “Diamonds”, later this year.


*EXCLUSIVE TO CMC ROCKS THE HUNTER*
Five-time Grammy winner, WYNONNA JUDD (US), commands her audience with her rich and powerful voice and was described by Rolling Stone as “the greatest female country singer since Patsy Cline”, After selling 20 million albums as one half of legendary duo, The Judds,  Wynonna launched her solo career in 1992, with her quintuple platinum self-titled debut. This was followed by a string of hit solo albums, chart-topping singles, another 10 million album sales, and numerous awards, including ACM’s Female Vocalist of the Year. Wynonna’s unique bluesy twist on country music is why she’s such a beloved singer and artist worldwide.



20 years of incredible hits have cemented LEE KERNAGHAN as the modern-day King of Australian Country Music. He has criss-crossed the country countless times and his fans keep coming back for more of his patented brand of hard rocking, uniquely Australian country. Lee will release his 2-CD “Ultimate Hits” package in September, featuring his hit duet and video with Dierks Bentley, “Scars”.


*EXCLUSIVE TO CMC ROCKS THE HUNTER*
TRACY LAWRENCE (US) has eighteen #1 singles to serve as a potent reminder that Lawrence is one of the premiere country artists of his generation. One of the leading lights of the 1990s neo-traditional country movement, the singer, songwriter and producer is known for his unmistakable voice and retaining his own pure country sound through changing trends and fashion.


The ELI YOUNG BAND (USA) honed their skills as an Eagles-esque live force in the Texas Red Dirt scene, building up an enviable fan following, before breaking into the mainstream country scene with their album, “Level”, in 2005. They’re riding high in the US right now with their fastest rising single to date, “Crazy Girl”, (recently certified Gold) and are eager to bring down the house on their first ever Australian trip.


A gravel-tainted voice and poetic lyrical sensibility form the distinctive musical identity of TEX PERKINS. In almost 30 years of writing and performing, Perkins has featured as part of the legendary Aussie rock outfits, Cruel Sea, and The Beasts of Bourbon. Now, he has stamped his own spin on Johnny Cash-country with his band, THE DARK HORSES, who will be joining him on stage at the Hunter in March.


*EXCLUSIVE TO CMC ROCKS THE HUNTER*
CRAIG CAMPBELL (USA) is the newest star to put a fresh take on the traditional country sound, which has seen him race up the US charts with the heartfelt “Family Man” and his current smash hit, the cheeky “Fish”. The singer-songwriter’s warm baritone and laconic sense of humour has seen comparisons to Alan Jackson, and the Georgian is sure to be embraced by Aussie crowds at the Festival.


*EXCLUSIVE TO CMC ROCKS THE HUNTER*
Americana icon, JIM LAUDERDALE (USA), is equally at home at the Grand Ole Opry as he is touring Europe with Elvis Costello. Jim has written hits for George Strait, Patty Loveless and Gary Allan, but his own albums encompasses a mix of blues, rock, bluegrass, country and whimsy. Known for his energetic and soulful stage presence, CMC Rocks the Hunter 2012 will be Jim’s fourth trip down under.



The crossover success story of the decade, THE McCLYMONTS have taken their angelic harmonies, tight stage show and dynamic songwriting to success in both the country and pop charts, with their star starting to shine in the US as well. With a new album due in the coming months, the McClymonts are sure to bring their unique charisma and infectious live energy to CMC Rocks the Hunter.


Rolling Stone described JEDD HUGHES (USA) as an “Aussie guitar-slinger who can shred nasty and croon pretty”. Now living in Nashville, this accomplished singer/songwriter/musician has gone from performing with Patty Loveless and Keith Urban, to releasing his own acclaimed album, Transcontinental. Following the rapturous reception to his performance as part of Buxton Hughes this year, Jedd is ready to blow away another CMC Rocks The Hunter crowd with his unique brand of songs and talent.


*EXCLUSIVE TO CMC ROCKS THE HUNTER*
One of our brightest exports, SHERRIE AUSTIN (US), headed to the US in the late 90s as a sitcom star (The Facts of Life) and released two stellar albums, before taking a break to concentrate on her songwriting full-time. It paid off, with artists like Tim McGraw and George Strait recording her songs. Now, Sherrie has recorded a new album of her own, Circus Girl, and for the first time in twelve years, is eager to come home to perform at CMC Rocks the Hunter 2012.


Having already racked up an impressive 7 Golden Guitars, 3 Gold Records, 2 Entertainer of the Year awards and a legion of loyal fans, BECCY COLE has one of the best live shows in the country. She is the real deal, a divorced working mother who delights audiences with single-handed pushups on stage, whilst belting out one of her numerous hits, or taking her audience on a journey with story.


JAMES BLUNDELL helped redefine country music in Australia when he rose to stardom in the late 1980s, with a string of self-penned hits driven by an earthy, contemporary sound. Now, nine Golden Guitar awards and many gold and platinum albums later, James is continuing to write and record his own brand of country music with his new album, Woolshed Creek. This will be James’ debut at CMC Rocks the Hunter in 2012.


STEVE FORDE is the on-air face of CMC and a festival favourite, having performed at four of the previous CMC Rocks events, His hard driving, electric band, showcases the dynamism and on- stage energy that he used to build his nation-wide audience with more than a decade of hits - which are featured on the new Steve Forde: Greatest Hits collection, released this week.


SHANE NICHOLSON started out as the lead singer of rock band, “Pretty Violet Stain”, before he broke out on his own with his blend of country and folk-rock. His album collaboration with wife, Kasey Chambers, “Rattlin’ Bones”, was showered in awards and critical praise, which has continued with Shane’s new solo album, “Bad Machines”.


*EXCLUSIVE TO CMC ROCKS THE HUNTER*
O’SHEA (US), the popular husband-and-wife duo, rocked the Hunter this year to an enthusiastic reception and now, the ex-pats are coming back for more in 2012. Mark and Jay O’Shea were both born and raised in Oz, but set off to Nashville in 2007, to pursue their dream of a country music career. A successful run on the US TV series, Can You Duet, kick-started their career together and led to their dynamic debut album, Mr. and Mrs.

In a first for 2012, the promoters have announced the inclusion of a main stage program on Friday 16 March from 4pm to 11pm. The festival will continue through Saturday and Sunday, when TIM McGRAW and FAITH HILL (USA) will close the proceedings.
Once again, camping will be available on site at Hope Estate. Festival organisers have responded to audience feedback by expanding the number of sites, increasing amenities and discarding the requirement for a camper’s bond.

The Camper’s Bar will be back in action again on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights, following the conclusion of the main stage program.

Despite the addition of an extra seven hours of Friday night main-stage programming, the promoters are pleased to be able to keep ticket prices at the same level as in 2011.

For tickets, camping, travel and accommodation details go to
www.cmcrocks.com.au

CMC ROCKS THE HUNTER 2012
FRI 16 - SAT 17 - SUN 18 MARCH
TICKET PRICES
3 Day Ticket - Adult (15 and above) $249
3 Day Ticket - Child (Ages 4 to 14) $125
Friday /Saturday only Ticket - Adult (15 and above) $159
Friday/Saturday only Ticket - Child (Ages 4 to 14) $80
Sunday only Ticket - Adult (15 and above) $159
Sunday only Ticket - Child (Ages 4 to 14) $80
Free admission to children under 4 years & accompanied by an adult.
TICKETS ON SALE NOW!
www.cmcrocks.com.au