Powderfinger confirm reunion, 16 years after breaking up

Powderfinger, one of the most celebrated acts in Australian music history, have confirmed they are reforming, 16 years after breaking up.

In a video posted to the band's social media this morning, they confirmed what fans had already suspected: they were behind a series of cryptic teasers that had appeared around the country over the past week.

Internet sleuths took no time figuring out Powderfinger's connection to the posts.

They identified references to the band embedded in opaque imagery shared via a new account named The Return of the Electric Horsemen, and projected onto landmarks across the country.

The rumour mill has been in overdrive ever since, with some fans predicting a full-scale reunion, while others are picking something less dramatic, like reissues of classic albums.

Yesterday, the band's official account, which had recently been wiped clean, posted the tease for the first time.

"Add enough time to enough variables and something extraordinary happens…" the caption read.

Who are Powderfinger?

Formed in Brisbane in 1989, Powderfinger spent their first few years as just another local rock band — until their second album, 1996's Double Allergic, brought them their first taste of national acclaim.

By the time they released Odyssey Number Five in 2000, they were one of the biggest bands in the country.

That record peaked at the top of the charts and won six ARIA awards, including Album of the Year and Record of the Year for My Happiness.

They are an especially decorated act in the triple j Hottest 100, winning the 1999 and 2000 countdowns, making the annual polls 22 times, and picking up three entries in last year's Hottest 100 of Australian Songs, including a spot in the top 10.

There have been two semi-reunions over the years. Four members played together at Splendour In The Grass in 2017, and the band's virtual performance during 2020's COVID-19 lockdowns raised more than $450,000 for Support Act and Beyond Blue.

When are they touring?

The band confirmed they would be heading back on the road, but stopped short of sharing further details.

Whenever and wherever those shows take place, Powderfinger will not be the only Australian legacy act fans have been clamouring to see this year.

The news comes just a week after Powderfinger's peers Silverchair responded to calls for them to reform for the NRL grand final.

"Thanks to everyone who's asked if we're playing before the game. We're way too rusty, so sorry, no can do," the statement read.

Powderfinger embarked on a mammoth farewell tour of the country before splitting in 2010, selling more than 200,000 tickets across 34 shows.