It usually doesn’t happen until the weekend after Splendour In The Grass when the Tone Deaf spies go backstage to get all the tour rumours for the next six months, but we can report that the Big Day Out line up is being put together with promoters traipsing around Europe recently speaking to booking agents and managers.

It is starting to bear fruit for music fans, with Herald-Sun music scribe Nui Te Koha telling a Melbourne radio station that we can probably expect Big Day Out performances and sideshows from the likes of Queens of the Stone Age, Blink 182, Eminem and – wait for it – Prince!

Te Koha says “Promoters have been in Europe in the last couple of weeks. It’s looking like Blink-182 is back on the table [and] QOTSA, who put on a blistering performance at Glastonbury, they’re also on the table as well.”

In addition, he says there is a fair bit of action happening behind the scenes as we start hearing rumours that Prince may be finally coming back down under. He says “Rival promoters are saying that the BDO are sounding out Prince. It seems like a weird fit but apparently talks happened in Europe with Prince for BDO or one of the Summer festivals.”

Update 7th September 2011: More rumours including Florence & The Machine, The Decemberists, and more.Click here for the rest.

Update 12th September 2011:  Including Cake and more  Click here for the rest.

Update 21st September 2011: Kasabian have confirmed they’ll be here for Big Day Out 2012

Update 27th September 2011: Big Day Out have announced when they’ll make the official 2012 lineup announcement

Update 28th September 2011: Big Day Out appear to have ruled out Radiohead or Red Hot Chili Peppers for 2012

Update 28th September 2011: Big Day Out appear to rule out Pearl Jam for 2012

Update Official Announcement: Follow the announcement live here

We take a look at the most memorable, both great and sad, moments in the 20 year history of Big Day Out. Check it out here.