Australian Floods Cause Concert Chaos, Spark Benefit Shows

The devastating flooding affecting parts of Australia's Queensland region is causing havoc for some artists regarding their itineraries. But the situation is also resulting in several Australian artists and promoters, as well as international acts, doing their part to create benefit concerts.

Although no venue or date has been announced, Australian promoter Michael Gudinski is in discussions regarding a Sound Relief 2 benefit concert with artists such as Katy Perry, Kings of Leon, Rihanna, Michael Bublé and Usher on the "wish list" as their respective tours visit Australia in February or March.

Gudinski announced the concert during a national benefit telethon on Jan. 9. The first Sound Relief occurred in 2009 and benefited those affected by brush fires. Two concerts were staged in Melbourne and Sydney and featured Coldplay, Jet, Taylor Swift, Jack Johnson and Midnight Oil, among others.

Elsewhere, organizers of Big Day Out -- the annual rock festival which hits Australia and New Zealand in late January and early February -- announced they will contribute $20,000 to the Queensland Flood relief from the upcoming shows. The festival also stated on its site that the Gold Coast date set for Jan. 23 is still a go.

Watch a Flash Flood Rescue in Australia

"At the moment the Gold Coast has been spared the brunt of the heavy rains and the Gold Coast, and the Big Day Out Parklands site, are currently in good condition," organizers Viv Lees and Ken West wrote. Stage construction began yesterday on the site with some road closures resulting in deliveries taking alternate routes.

Meanwhile, longtime Brisbane rock group Powderfinger, who officially called it quits last year, are being requested by fans and even politicians to reunite for a benefit concert.

"I think it's a good idea, I've written to the Premier asking for her support," MP Rob Messenger told ABC Radio last week. "This is a once-in-hundred-year natural disaster, Powderfinger is Queensland music. Queensland needs them right now." The band has yet to comment on the request.

Two benefit concerts in Melbourne have also been confirmed. According to Australian music site Undercover, rapper Pharoahe Monch and Jean Grae will headline a show Friday night (Jan. 14) with additional acts to be announced. And DanceAid, organized by producer Grant Smillie, will take place on Jan. 19 with the Potbelleez, Zoe Badwi, Ruby Rose and others on the bill. Meanwhile Wolfmother, who are on the Big Day Out roster, will play a few "side shows" in Byron Bay, Ballarat and Geelon with $5 from every ticket donated to the Queensland Flood Relief Appeal.

The flooding has also caused some artists to rework or cancel their tours. Canadian singer-songwriter Jason Collett confirmed earlier this week he canceled his remaining four Australian dates this week due to the floods. Kasey Chambers also canceled some January shows scheduled for Queensland. Rapper Mos Def postponed a concert this evening in Brisbane and has had to shuffle around a few dates, but his tour is still going ahead. As well, the Tamworth Country Music Festival is also going ahead as scheduled this weekend with different fundraising events planned.

And finally, country star Keith Urban today delayed the on-sale date for an April 15 Brisbane show due to the flooding. Urban's management said the concert will still go ahead but will delay selling tickets for the time being.

The flooding -- which has affected a land area roughly the size of Germany and France combined -- has so far claimed the lives of at least 16 people and caused billions of dollars in damage.