Former Powderfinger drummer Jon Coghill works as a presenter and journalist for ABC Sunshine Coast.

Former Powderfinger drummer Jon Coghill works as a presenter and journalist for ABC Sunshine Coast. Che Chapman

IT was the reunion gig that quickly became the talk of music fans across the nation.

But no one told the drummer.

Former Powderfinger drummer Jon Coghill was at his Marcus Beach home helping to care for an ill daughter on Saturday night while the rest of the band were in front of thousands of people performing for the first time since their 2010 break-up.

Band members Darren Middleton, Ian Haug and John Collins joined singer Bernard Fanning on stage for two songs during Mr Fanning's solo set at Splendour in the Grass in Byron Bay.

It was described as "the most electrifying set of the festival" in a Sydney Morning Herald report as photos and excitement spread across the internet.

The original members of Powderfinger, except drummer Jon Coghill, reunite for a surprise set at Splendour in the Grass festival. Universal Music Aus Twitter

But there was another man in the drum stool Mr Coghill had driven rhythms from for two decades.

Mr Coghill said the first he knew of the gig was a text from a friend congratulating him on a great set.

"I didn't even know about it," Mr Coghill said.

"I just was surprised to tell the truth."

He said he didn't know why he wasn't told of the reunion.

Jon Coghill performs with Powderfinger during the Sunsets farewell tour in Toowoomba in October 2010. Nev Madsen

Mr Coghill said he and his former bandmates were due to meet in Brisbane with their management company on Wednesday.

He said it would be the first band meeting with all members since they broke up.

"So maybe I will find out then."

Mr Coghill now works as a journalist and presenter for ABC Sunshine Coast.

He said the band's end in 2010 was a result of 20 years of touring and playing together.

"We were over hanging out together."

The band's management company has been contacted for comment.