Paul Kelly announces new album ‘Seventy’ + releases new single ‘Rita Wrote A Letter’

Tell us a story… So opens the new Paul Kelly album, a request like a child to their parents at the beginning of a trip, or a group around a campfire at the end of the day. And who else would we ask but Australia’s master storyteller, the man who has been doing it for 45 years.

Kelly’s latest album, SEVENTY, will be released on Friday November 7th and is available for pre-order now . Having turned 70 in January, this deeply personal collection finds Kelly taking stock – setting out his stall with all his wares. It’s his most varied album yet, representing all his different kinds of songwriting and showcasing a songwriter and band at the peak of their powers. The album’s cover , featuring a striking portrait by photographer Dean Podmore, pays homage to the iconic 1988 Jon Lewis photograph of Paul – a visual echo that bridges nearly four decades of artistry and reflects the album’s themes of taking stock and celebrating continuity.

The album’s first single, ‘Rita Wrote A Letter’, released today alongside a beautiful video featuring iconic Australian actress Justine Clarke, directed by acclaimed Australian filmmaker Imogen McCluskey and produced by Jessica Carrera of Dollhouse Pictures, is perhaps the most anticipated sequel in Australian music history. Nearly 30 years after we met Dan, Joe and Rita in one of Australia’s now most beloved songs, an unconventional Christmas anthem ‘How To Make Gravy’, Kelly brings them back with a ghost story that’s both tender and darkly comic. Click HERE to read the lyrics.

“I’ve been mulling over the idea of a sequel to How To Make Gravy from Rita’s point of view for quite some time,” Kelly explains. “About five years ago I wrote down the words, ‘Rita wrote a letter,’ and thought, ‘There’s my title.’ I scratched away intermittently and fruitlessly for several years but never got very far until Dan Kelly sent me a recording of something he’d written on piano with a rough melody over the top. The words started rolling after that. As often happens, they took me by surprise. You could say the song took a dark turn but to my mind it’s a black comedy. A ghost story. You hear Rita’s voice loud and clear, but Joe talks even more. I couldn’t shut him up!”

Video director Imogen McCluskey adds: “I was inspired to tap into my own family’s ghost stories when approaching the creative for Paul Kelly’s Rita Wrote a Letter. Often funny and tender, they speak to the thin membrane between this world and the next, and the messages that reach us from beyond the grave. I hope the iconic lore of Rita and Joe continues to touch PK fans new and old.”

SEVENTY traces its inspiration to Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales and Boccaccio’s Decameron, where disparate souls came together to swap yarns and keep the darkness away. Songs range from tales of old friends sticking fast as life nears its end, to the thrill of breathing in apples on the morning breeze, and the fears of a knock at the door that signals the end.

“Telling stories is deeply human and has been since we started to become humans,” says Kelly. “A bit like what happens in my family at Christmas time with people doing an item, singing a song, telling a joke, telling a story. The third song on the record is a ghost story! That’s what you do when you’re sitting around the fire.”

The album features the grand splendour of ‘Sailing To Byzantium’, where W.B. Yeats’ beloved poem is set to music with the force and curve of a full band arrangement. There’s also the heart wrenching ‘Happy Birthday, Ada Mae’, written directly to his granddaughter, holding love, worry and care for her and our whole, precious, threatened world in deft balance. Other highlights include songs about two old friends sticking fast as life nears its end, a couple whose unbridled desire keeps finding new paths, and the simple pleasure of breathing in apples on the morning breeze. The album spans from intimate moments to epic storytelling, with Kelly drawing from sources as varied as Lord Of The Rings and the French Resistance to crows pecking at the limbs of Cicero.

Like his previous work, SEVENTY is driven by Kelly’s long-time band in peak form. “Looking back on what we’ve done with these songs, it’s really a band record,” Kelly reflects. “Peter Luscombe has been with me for more than 30 years, Bill McDonald and Dan Kelly for 20. Even the newbies Cameron Bruce and Ash Naylor have been with me since 2007.”

Paul Kelly is poised to embark on his biggest shows in Australia and New Zealand to date, and his only live shows for 2025: ten huge arenas in Brisbane, Sydney, Hobart, Adelaide, Perth, Melbourne, Christchurch, Wellington and Auckland in August and September, proudly presented by Frontier Touring, Triple M (AU) and Stuff (NZ). Joining him on this monumental tour will be special guest Lucinda WIlliams for the Australian shows, along with Fanny Lumsden (AU shows) and Reb Fountain (NZ shows). As he prepares for this tour, fans can expect an unforgettable experience, showcasing both new material and timeless favourites from one of Australia’s most revered songwriters.

ABOUT PAUL KELLY

Over forty years and across thirty albums, Paul Kelly has made himself unique among world songwriters by the sheer range and innovation of his work. Few songwriters find ways to keep that creative fever burning for as long and as brightly as Kelly.

From St Kilda to King’s Cross, from the bus ride through the cane in To Her Door to the span-of-life sweep of Deeper Water, Kelly has written the soundtrack to Australian life. He has penned songs about the country’s greatest cricketer in Bradman and its most infamous bushranger in Our Sunshine. Some songs take their time to make their mark – How to Make Gravy, a message from a prisoner who can’t be home for Christmas, wasn’t a hit when released in 1996 but is now recognised as an Australian classic.

His collaborations have been equally remarkable. From Little Things Big Things Grow, co-written with Kev Carmody about the 1966 Wave Hill strike, has taught more Australians about the history of land rights than newspaper headlines ever could. Since the late eighties, Kelly has worked with many Indigenous artists including Archie Roach and Yothu Yindi, standing side by side in their fight for justice.

Kelly’s artistic restlessness has led him down fascinating paths. He’s set Shakespeare sonnets to music (Seven Sonnets & a Song), created albums ranging from bluegrass (Smoke) to experimental dub (Professor Ratbaggy), and collaborated with jazz pianist Paul Grabowsky (Please Leave Your Light On). His 2021 Christmas double album Christmas Train featured songs in Hebrew, Te Reo Maori, and Latin. He even found time to write what’s been called “the finest and most unflinching autobiography ever written by an Australian musician” – How to Make Gravy.

His 2017 album Life is Fine became his first No 1 album and that year Kelly won two ARIA Awards. He has received 17 ARIA awards for recording and five APRA awards for songwriting and was inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame in 1997. His Order of Australia in 2017 acknowledged distinguished service to the performing arts and the promotion of the national identity.

At 70, Kelly remains creatively vital. Recent albums like 2024’s Fever Longing Still and now SEVENTY showcase an artist still at the peak of his powers, still finding new ways to move the fingers, the music, the heart, the mind. The first words you hear on SEVENTY are “Tell us a story.” The last words are “Put another big log on the fire.” And we’re back in the kellyverse of love, loss, legend, wit, poetry and tales tall and true.

With Paul Kelly, there’s always a surprise.

INTRODUCING SUNBURNT COUNTRY HEADLINED BY JASON ALDEAN ON HIS FULL THROTTLE WORLD TOUR Brand new country music experience features a star-studded lineup including Corey Kent, Brad Cox, Dear Tommie, and Y.O.G.A.

Face To Face Touring is thrilled to unveil Australia’s newest country music experience, Sunburnt Country. The inaugural dates will commence in February 2026, headlined by ACM Artist of the Decade and 3X Entertainer of the Year, Country powerhouse Jason Aldean as part of the international extension of his FULL THROTTLE Tour. It will be his first Australian visit since 2016’s massive sell out tour.

Sunburnt Country’s huge outdoor concert events will take place in Toowoomba, Hunter Valley and Canberra, the line-up also featuring US rocker Corey Kent, along with stellar homegrown talent Brad Cox, Dear Tommie, Y.O.G.A. and more.

Sunburnt Country dates are as follows: February 21, 2026 at Queens Park, Toowoomba, followed by February 28 at Roche Estate in the Hunter Valley, and concluding on Sunday March 1at Stage 88, Canberra.

Tickets are available starting with Artist presale tickets on Wednesday, July 2nd at 12pm.

A Face To Face Touring presale commences Friday July 4 at 1pm, running until Monday July 7, at 12pm.

General public tickets on sale Monday, July 7 at 1pm at ticketmaster.com.au. All times are local.

Aldean has solidified his “Country superstar status” (Variety) having garnered 30 No. 1 career hits at Country radio, nearly 20 billion streams, and more than 20 million albums sold with “his own recipe…one that has vaulted him to the pinnacle of Country music success” (Atlanta Journal Constitution).  His history-making, prolific career has included nearly two decades of chart-topping hits, including “Dirt Road  Anthem,” “Don’t You Wanna Stay,” “Fly Over States,” “She’s Country,” “Big Green Tractor,” “Amarillo Sky” and most recently, his 30th career #1 at Country radio, “Whiskey Drink.”

Launched today by Face To Face Touring, Sunburnt Country is Australia’s newest country music experience. Set in some of Australia’s most spectacular locations, these events invite fans to soak in stunning scenery while enjoying performances from the finest names in country music. Dust off your cowboy boots, grab your hat, and get ready to two-step into a world where the heart and soul of country music comes alive!

SUNBURNT COUNTRY

Sat Feb 21 – Queens Park, Toowoomba

Sat Feb 28 – Roche Estate, Hunter Valley

Sun Mar 1 – Stage 88, Canberra

TICKETS ON SALE MONDAY JULY 7, 1PM – head to www.ticketmaster.com.au

Artist presale: Wednesday, July 2, 12pm – Monday, July 7, 12pm

Face To Face Touring presale: Friday July 4, 1pm – Monday July 7, 12pm.

For more information please visit sunburntcountrymusic.com.au

JASON ALDEAN FULL THROTTLE 2026 DATES – NEW ZEALAND AND AUSTRALIA:

Thu Feb 19 — Auckland, NZ— Spark Arena

Sat Feb 21—Toowoomba, AU — Sunburnt Country

Sun Feb 22 — Brisbane, AU— Brisbane Entertainment Centre

Wed Feb 25— Melbourne, AU — Rod Laver Arena

Thu Feb 26— Sydney, AU — Qudos Bank Arena

Sat Feb 28— Hunter Valley, AU — Sunburnt Country

Sun Mar 1— Canberra, AU — Sunburnt Country

 

About Jason Aldean:

ACM Artist of the Decade and 3X ACM Entertainer of the Year Jason Aldean has garnered 30 No. 1 career hits, over 18 billion streams, and more than 20 million albums sold with “his own recipe…one that has vaulted him to the pinnacle of Country music success” (Atlanta Journal Constitution).  His history-making and prolific career has included nearly two decades of chart-topping hits, including “Dirt Road Anthem,” “Don’t You Wanna Stay,” “Fly Over States,” “She’s Country,” “Big Green Tractor,” “Amarillo Sky” and more. The Grammy-nominated hit-maker earned the most Top 10 songs on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart-more than any other artist- since his debut in 2005, with “songs of small-town living, love and loss that have resonated with a loyal fanbase” (Billboard). With the 2023 release of his 11th studio album, HIGHWAY DESPERADO, and his sold-out nationwide Highway Desperado Arena Tour, Aldean continued his “country superstar status” (Variety). The album earned the Georgia native his first career Hot 100 chart-topping hit with “Try That In A Small Town”- which earned Billboard Award nominations (2023) for “Top Song Sales Artist” and “Top Selling Song”- as well as the fan-favourite track “Let Your Boys Be Country” and current single, “Whiskey Drink.” Produced by longtime producer Michael Knox, Highway Desperado followed Aldean’s double album, MACON, GEORGIA, which earned the singer/songwriter praise for honing “in on his vision for this era of his career” and kicking off “his career’s next era” (The Tennessean). The project’s featured the history-making, multi-week No. 1 Grammy-nominated “powerful duet” (Rolling Stone) “If I Didn’t Love You” with Carrie Underwood, which won ACM Single of the Year, iHeartRadio Country Song of the Year, and CMT Collaborative Video of the Year as well as Billboard and GRAMMY nominations. Currently in the studio working on new music, Aldean most recently graced the cover of Hook & Barrel Magazine’s January 2025 Cover, where he spoke about his career to date and new music and what is on the horizon in 2025. For more information, visit www.jasonaldean.com

 About Corey Kent:

“Poised to be country’s latest red dirt star” (Rolling Stone), Corey Kent, a proud husband and father, has become a decorated artist on the rise, growing from humble heartland roots into a Triple-Platinum certified No. 1 hit maker with one billion career streams. 

Rising from the vibrant Red Dirt country scene as the embodiment of authenticity, Kent set his sights on Nashville as a teen, bringing his self-penned catalog of country-rock anthems with him. But after the pandemic coincided with the loss of his first publishing deal, Kent was forced to move to Texas and get a job on a paving crew to pay the bills, yet he stubbornly refused to call music quits, with honky-tonks and dancehalls on both sides of the Red River becoming his stomping ground. 
 
Fast forward a few years and the hit single “Wild As Her” proved he was right all along. An untamed tribute to a free-spirited stunner, the track re-invigorated Kent’s career as a now Triple-Platinum-certified No. 1 at country radio, and the lead single off his major label album debut, Blacktop. Despite never cracking country radio’s Top 40, Kent’s trust-your-gut second single “Something’s Gonna Kill Me” went Gold, proving his message was connecting. And momentum kept building, with Kent hitting the road alongside Jason Aldean, Ashley McBryde, Parker McCollum and more. Next-big-thing accolades came in from CMT, Opry Next Stage and more, but even as Kent became the most played new artist on country radio for all of 2023, he kept the underdog, who-cares-about-conventional-wisdom mentality. And so did his fans. 

For Kent, the point was that his fans have the same independent spirit he does, and he took that lesson into his next chapter. Settled into his ranch in Texas and intent on being fully present with his family while also achieving his dreams, Kent most recently released his sophomore major-label album, Black Bandana, to critical acclaim, with MusicRow Magazine describing the title track as “gently but unrelentingly uplifting.” Often seen with a black bandana around his neck, Black Bandana holds great meaning for Kent – it’s his rally cry. This album is about finding balance, keeping clear eyes on what’s important – and waving that Black Bandana for all to see. For the latest news and information about Corey Kent, visit  coreykentofficial.com. 

About Brad Cox:

Brad Cox, the beloved Australian artist and songwriter, has carved a remarkable path in the country music scene, captivating audiences with his authentic spirit and down-to-earth persona. With a string of chart-topping albums and hit singles, Cox has cemented his place as one of the most celebrated musicians in the country.

Hailing from Jindabyne in the Snowy Mountains of New South Wales, Brad first turned heads with his self-titled debut album in 2018, featuring breakout hits like “Red Light,” “Too Drunk to Drive,” and “Water On The Ground.”

His sophomore effort My Mind’s Projection (2020) pushed him further into the national spotlight, debuting at #1 on the ARIA Australian Country Album Chart and showcasing his knack for blending heartfelt songwriting with barnstorming live energy.

His 2023 album ACRES marked a career peak — topping the ARIA Country Charts and earning him three Golden Guitars, including Top Selling Country Album of the Year, Contemporary Country Album of the Year, and Male Artist of the Year. A subsequent national tour saw him play to more than 30,000 fans, cementing his place as a marquee act on the live circuit.

in 2024, Brad signed with Warner Music Australia and launched a bold new chapter with the raw, emotionally charged single “Everything I’ve Got.” Praised by fans for its vulnerability and grit, the track marked a sonic evolution and the start of a new creative era.

This shift in direction saw Brad step beyond the traditional country lane, landing spots at major alternative and crossover festivals including Yours & Owls and Bluesfest Byron Bay — further cementing his broad appeal. It all led to his biggest tour yet, the Everything I’ve Got Tour, which stormed the east coast and sold out iconic venues including The Enmore Theatre in Sydney and The Forum in Melbourne.

With a new album slated for release on September 26, 2025, Brad Cox is entering a defining era. Whether it’s the raw honesty of his lyrics, the arena-sized hooks, or his trademark cheeky charm, one thing is clear: Brad Cox is not only leading a new wave of Australian country — he’s taking it to the world. 

About Dear Tommie:

Hailing from Tamworth, Dear Tommie has always been an enigma amongst her peers. 2024 was a big year for Dear Tommie who supported the likes of Dasha and Tori Forsyth. She was also the writer and producer behind the #1 radio hit song “Cowboy” by Bella Mackenzie and performed more than 9 packed shows at the Tamworth Country Music Festival. Dear Tommie’s music is salted with blues and roots inspiration from Leon Bridges with the mountain pepper of Zach Bryan. Together her blend of earthy worlds paints a cinematic landscape of her Mid-west Country music.

About Y.O.G.A.:

Y.O.G.A. is a new music project from Peking Duk‘s Reuben Styles. In Peking Duk, his songs frequently explore ideas of freedom and the feeling of breaking loose. Y.O.G.A., short for “You’re Only Great Always”, does the same. But with a significant twist. Here Reuben seeks to disrupt the stigma Australian culture places upon mental health.

JASON ALDEAN ANNOUNCES FULL THROTTLE WORLD TOUR, EXTENDS CURRENT TOUR INTO NEW ZEALAND AND AUSTRALIA

ACM Artist of the Decade and 3X Entertainer of the Year, Country powerhouse Jason Aldeanofficially announced the international extension of his FULL THROTTLE Tour today, adding dates in New Zealand and Australia starting in 2026.

The FULL THROTTLE WORLD TOUR marks Aldean’s first time headlining New Zealand and his first return to Australia since headlining in 2016 – where he became the first headliner to ever sellout CMC Rocks QLD Country Music. Aldean’s 2026 international run is set to kick off Thursday, February 19th at Spark Arena in Auckland, before heading to Australia for six additional headlining dates including Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney. Aldean will also headline inaugural country music experience, Sunburnt Country, with headlining shows scheduled for Toowoomba, Hunter Valley, and Canberra. Corey Kent and Brad Cox join as 2026 Full Throttle Tour openers – Corey Kent across all shows and Brad Cox joining the Sunburnt Country dates.

Aldean has solidified his “Country superstar status” (Variety) having garnered 30 No. 1 career hits at Country radio, nearly 20 billion streams, and more than 20 million albums sold with “his own recipe…one that has vaulted him to the pinnacle of Country music success” (Atlanta Journal Constitution). 

His history-making, prolific career has included nearly two decades of chart-topping hits, including “Dirt Road Anthem,” “Don’t You Wanna Stay,” “Fly Over States,” “She’s Country,” “Big Green Tractor,” “Amarillo Sky” and most recently, his 30th career #1 at Country radio, “Whiskey Drink.”

Produced by Live Nation, Aldean’s FULL THROTTLE TOUR is set to resume July 17th in Tulsa, OK after launching earlier this year (May 2025). Previously announced dates across the US include Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, Denver’s Ball Arena, Grand Rapid’s Van Andel Arena, Charleston’s Credit One Stadium, West Palm Beach, FL’s iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre, and more.

Tickets for the FULL THROTTLE WORLD TOUR (New Zealand and Australia dates) are available starting with Artist presale tickets Wednesday, July 2nd at 12pm.

Mastercard cardholders have special access to presale tickets in Auckland, Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney starting Wednesday, July 2 at 12pm through Friday, July 4 at 12pm (local) as well as preferred ticket access to some of the best tickets available starting Monday, July 7 at 1pm. Check out priceless.com/music for details.

One NZ customers can be among the first to secure tickets in Auckland during a 48-hour presale starting Wednesday, July 2 at 12pm at one.nz/music.

My Live Nation members may secure tickets in Auckland, Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney during the presale beginning Friday, July 4 at 1pm until Monday, July 7 at 12pm.

Face To Face touring members may secure tickets in Toowoomba, Hunter Valley and Canberra during the presale beginning Friday, July 4 at 1pm until Monday, July 7 at 12pm.

General public tickets for all shows on sale Monday, July 7 at 1pm.  All times are local.

For complete tour and ticket information, including VIP packages, visit livenation.com.au and livenation.co.nz.

To see a full list of international and domestic tour dates visit JasonAldean.com for more information.

FULL THROTTLE TOUR 2025 DATES:

Thu Jul 17 — Tulsa, OK — BOK Center

Fri Jul 18 — Rogers, AR — Walmart AMP

Sat Jul 19 — St. Louis, MO — Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre

Thu Jul 24 — Albuquerque, NM — Isleta Amphitheater

Fri Jul 25 — Denver, CO — Ball Arena

Sat Jul 26 — Salt Lake City, UT — Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre

Thu Aug 07 — Nashville, TN — Bridgestone Arena

Fri Aug 08 — Noblesville, IN — Ruoff Music Center

Sat Aug 09 — Pittsburgh, PA — The Pavilion at Star Lake

Thu Aug 14 — Dallas, TX — Dos Equis Pavilion

Fri Aug 15 — Houston, TX — The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion presented by Huntsman

Sat Aug 16 — Austin, TX — Moody Center

Thu Aug 21 — Raleigh, NC — Coastal Credit Union Music Park

Fri Aug 22 — Charlotte, NC — PNC Music Pavilion

Sat Aug 23 — Alpharetta, GA — Ameris Bank Amphitheatre

Thu Sep 04 — Grand Rapids, MI — Van Andel Arena

Fri Sep 05 — Green Bay, WI — Resch Center

Thu Sep 11 — Detroit, MI — Pine Knob Music Theatre

Sat Sep 13 — Tinley Park, IL — Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre

Thu Sep 18 — Lincoln, NE — Pinnacle Bank Arena

Fri Sep 19 — Des Moines, IA — Wells Fargo Arena

Sat Sep 20 — Sioux Falls, SD — Denny Sanford PREMIER Center

Thu Sep 25 — Lafayette, LA — CAJUNDOME

Fri Sep 26 — Birmingham, AL — Coca-Cola Amphitheater

Sat Sep 27 — Charleston, SC — Credit One Stadium

Fri Oct 03 — Tampa, FL — MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre

Sat Oct 04 — West Palm Beach, FL — iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre

JUST ADDED-FULL THROTTLE 2026 Dates – New Zealand and Australia:

Thu Feb 19 — Auckland, NZ— Spark Arena

*Sat Feb 21—Toowoomba, AU — Sunburnt Country

Sun Feb 22 — Brisbane, AU— Brisbane Entertainment Centre

Wed Feb 25— Melbourne, AU — Rod Laver Arena

Thu Feb 26— Sydney, AU — Qudos Bank Arena

*Sat Feb 28— Hunter Valley, AU — Sunburnt Country

*Sun Mar 1— Canberra, AU — Sunburnt Country

 

TICKETS ON SALE MONDAY JULY 7, 1PM

Mastercard presale: Wednesday July 2, 12pm – Friday July 4, 12pm

One NZ presale:  Wednesday July 2, at 12pm – Friday July 4, 12pm

Live Nation presale: Friday July 4, 1pm – Monday July 7, 12pm.

All times are local.

For complete tour and ticket information, including VIP packages, visit: livenation.com.au and livenation.co.nz

*SUNBURNT COUNTRY:

Sat Feb 21 – Queens Park, Toowoomba

Sat Feb 28 – Roche Estate, Hunter Valley

Sun Mar 1 – Stage 88, Canberra

TICKETS ON SALE MONDAY JULY 7, 1PM

Face To Face Touring presale: Friday July 4, 1pm – Monday July 7, 12pm.

For more information please visit sunburntcountrymusic.com.au

About Jason Aldean:

ACM Artist of the Decade and 3X ACM Entertainer of the Year Jason Aldean has garnered 30 No. 1 career hits, over 18 billion streams, and more than 20 million albums sold with “his own recipe…one that has vaulted him to the pinnacle of Country music success” (Atlanta Journal Constitution).  His history-making and prolific career has included nearly two decades of chart-topping hits, including “Dirt Road Anthem,” “Don’t You Wanna Stay,” “Fly Over States,” “She’s Country,” “Big Green Tractor,” “Amarillo Sky” and more. The Grammy-nominated hit-maker earned the most Top 10 songs on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart-more than any other artist- since his debut in 2005, with “songs of small-town living, love and loss that have resonated with a loyal fanbase” (Billboard). With the 2023 release of his 11th studio album, HIGHWAY DESPERADO, and his sold-out nationwide Highway Desperado Arena Tour, Aldean continued his “country superstar status” (Variety). The album earned the Georgia native his first career Hot 100 chart-topping hit with “Try That In A Small Town”- which earned Billboard Award nominations (2023) for “Top Song Sales Artist” and “Top Selling Song”- as well as the fan-favourite track “Let Your Boys Be Country” and current single, “Whiskey Drink.” Produced by longtime producer Michael Knox, Highway Desperado followed Aldean’s double album, MACON, GEORGIA, which earned the singer/songwriter praise for honing “in on his vision for this era of his career” and kicking off “his career’s next era” (The Tennessean). The project’s featured the history-making, multi-week No. 1 Grammy-nominated “powerful duet” (Rolling Stone) “If I Didn’t Love You” with Carrie Underwood, which won ACM Single of the Year, iHeartRadio Country Song of the Year, and CMT Collaborative Video of the Year as well as Billboard and GRAMMY nominations. Currently in the studio working on new music, Aldean most recently graced the cover of Hook & Barrel Magazine’s January 2025 Cover, where he spoke about his career to date and new music and what is on the horizon in 2025. For more information, visit www.jasonaldean.com.

About Corey Kent:

“Poised to be country’s latest red dirt star” (Rolling Stone), Corey Kent, a proud husband and father, has become a decorated artist on the rise, growing from humble heartland roots into a Triple-Platinum certified No. 1 hit maker with one billion career streams.

Rising from the vibrant Red Dirt country scene as the embodiment of authenticity, Kent set his sights on Nashville as a teen, bringing his self-penned catalog of country-rock anthems with him. But after the pandemic coincided with the loss of his first publishing deal, Kent was forced to move to Texas and get a job on a paving crew to pay the bills, yet he stubbornly refused to call music quits, with honky-tonks and dancehalls on both sides of the Red River becoming his stomping ground. 

Fast forward a few years and the hit single “Wild As Her” proved he was right all along. An untamed tribute to a free-spirited stunner, the track re-invigorated Kent’s career as a now Triple-Platinum-certified No. 1 at country radio, and the lead single off his major label album debut, Blacktop. Despite never cracking country radio’s Top 40, Kent’s trust-your-gut second single “Something’s Gonna Kill Me” went Gold, proving his message was connecting. And momentum kept building, with Kent hitting the road alongside Jason Aldean, Ashley McBryde, Parker McCollum and more. Next-big-thing accolades came in from CMT, Opry Next Stage and more, but even as Kent became the most played new artist on country radio for all of 2023, he kept the underdog, who-cares-about-conventional-wisdom mentality. And so did his fans. 

For Kent, the point was that his fans have the same independent spirit he does, and he took that lesson into his next chapter. Settled into his ranch in Texas and intent on being fully present with his family while also achieving his dreams, Kent most recently released his sophomore major-label album, Black Bandana, to critical acclaim, with MusicRow Magazine describing the title track as “gently but unrelentingly uplifting.” Often seen with a black bandana around his neck, Black Bandana holds great meaning for Kent – it’s his rally cry. This album is about finding balance, keeping clear eyes on what’s important – and waving that Black Bandana for all to see. For the latest news and information about Corey Kent, visit  coreykentofficial.com.

About Live Nation Entertainment

Live Nation Entertainment (NYSE: LYV) is the world’s leading live entertainment company comprised of global market leaders: Ticketmaster, Live Nation Concerts, and Live Nation Media & Sponsorship. For additional information, visit livenationentertainment.com.

RUSSELL MORRIS ANNOUNCES SOLD OUT SHOWS ON THE FAREWELL TOUR

Russell Morris’ The Farewell Tour ticket sales have been extremely strong since he announced his last tour with previously announced shows in Melbourne, Newcastle, Twin Towns, Thirroul and Brisbane all selling out.

A 2nd show at Melbourne’s Hamer Hall (28 August) has also sold out and we’re hoping to announce a new show soon.

Due to demand new shows have been added at Bendigo’s Ulumbarra Theatre (31 July), Geelong’s Costa Hall (2 August), Twin Towns Services Club (23 August matinee), Canberra Theatre Centre on Thursday, 21 August and Anita’s Theatre (6 September matinee)

After 58 hectic years of touring, this will be Russell’s last major circuit around the country and with only limited tickets available for all previously announced shows, they are all expected to be sold out long before the tour commences.

The Farewell Tour will feature Russell’s various incarnations – from Hush, Sweet Sweet Love and Wings of An Eagle, through to the acclaimed blues trilogy that began with the landmark, record-breaking, platinum selling #1 ARIA Chart Album Sharkmouth in 2012, which became his most successful album and winning the 2013 ARIA Award for Best Blues and Roots Album.

Russell recently released a new single, End of the Beginning – a deeply emotional track serving as a farewell to his fans, marking a significant moment in his storied career and reflecting on the memories, experiences, and connections he has built with his audience over the years.

After being asked for close to 50 years about which of his songs (his children!) are his favourites, Russell has put together a Spotify playlist of all his choices from across his illustrious career which can be streamed from here.

Photos and full bio information can be downloaded from here.

Don’t miss the chance to see this legendary Australian musician one last time as he takes the stage accompanied by a 13 piece all-star band, including a stunning string quartet, at the nation’s most prestigious venues.

Venue and ticket agency database pre-sales for the kick off at 10.00am (local times) on Monday, 2 May for the Ulumbarra Theatre show and at 9.00am (local time) on Thursday, 22 May for the Canberra Theatre Centre show. Pre-sale ticket information for the Costa Hall show will be announced asap.

General public tickets go on sale at the times listed below. For full details go to russellmorris.com.au.

ICEHOUSE announce Sydney Coliseum Theatre show on Saturday 7 September

Following their Night at the Barracks show selling out within days of going on sale, ICEHOUSE has today announced another Sydney show.

The legendary outfit will take the stage for the first time at The Sydney Coliseum Theatre on Saturday, 7 September, with tickets going on sale at 10.00am on Friday, 12 July from Ticketek. Pre-sale ticket information is below.

With a career spanning over 45 years, ICEHOUSE is one of Australia’s most iconic bands, transcending age groups with their hit songs, well known and loved by audiences across generations. ICEHOUSE has played to sell-out capacity audiences in Australia, New Zealand and throughout the World and have sold over 9 million albums worldwide.

ICEHOUSE was formed by Iva Davies, the band’s frontman and musical creative force, who led the band to an amazing 28 Platinum albums, eight Top 10 albums and over thirty Top 40 singles. ICEHOUSE will bring their incredible live show to The Coliseum performing all of their greatest songs including Great Southern Land, Electric Blue, Crazy, Hey Little Girl, No Promises, We Can Get Together, Man of Colours and many, many more.

In 2024, the band is celebrating 40 years since the first release of its third album, Sidewalk which featured the hits Taking The Town and live favourite Don’t Believe Anymore, so has issued an anniversary edition on clear vinyl (order here) plus has released an album’s worth of live recordings from 40 years ago, Desk Tapes 1984, now available for streaming via Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube and wherever you get your music.

Tickets to this show are expected to sell fast!

Pre-sale tickets will be available to members of the ICEHOUSE, Sydney Coliseum and Ticketek databases from 10.00am today (Wednesday, 10 July) from Ticketek.

General Public tickets go on sale from 10.00am AEST on Friday, 12 July 2024 from Ticketek.

Hoodoo Gurus are set to soar with new album release and live concert stream

With immense enthusiasm, Hoodoo Gurus are taking the reins of 2022 and are happy to announce the details of their long-awaited, and hotly-anticipated, new studio album – Chariot of the Gods.

Chariot of the Gods, set for worldwide release on Friday, 11 March 2022, is the band’s first album in over a decade (the longest interval between Hoodoo Gurus’ albums in their history) and is available to pre-order today from here.

Dave Faulkner explains “The last twelve months have been frustrating and nerve-racking for everyone but, for the Hoodoo Gurus, this dark cloud has had a silver lining. Forced to rely on ourselves instead of the outside world for validation, there has been a creative rebirth within the band that has resulted in a string of singles and a new album. Most important of all, the musical bonds between the four of us have never been stronger. When the discussions are all about which songs we’re sad about having to leave off the record, that’s a damn good sign.

“I’m tellin’ ya, folks, we’ve got a real spring in our step right now”.

In an exclusive preview, Hoodoo Gurus’ fans across the globe can hear Chariot of the Gods played in its entirety for the very first time, as well as some classic Gurus’ bangers, when eMusic Live streams a special event recorded at Damien Gerard Studios on the NSW Central Coast.

The streamed set will be shared at 8:00pm AEDT / WST / PST / EST / GMT on Thursday, 10 March, the evening before Chariot of the Gods’ official release and will include the opportunity for fans to chat with the band during the stream. The stream is designed both as a special album preview and a thank you to loyal fans around the world who have experienced cancelled tours by the band over the past two years.

The new album is released alongside a welcome return to the stage for multiple tours making for a year for which the band are full of a palpable and infectious level of determination, drive and spirit, including their 40th Anniversary Tour with long-time mutual friends, The Dandy Warhols, in April 2022, presented by Frontier Touring. Show openers on the 40th Anniversary Tour were recently announced and opening proceedings in Sydney will be The Buoys, Even in Adelaide and Melbourne and Rinehearts in Perth.

Chariot of the Gods is classic Gurus – 14 tracks (17 on the deluxe double-vinyl edition) featuring the relatable lyricism and peerless songwriting placed in a distinctively Australian context that the band are renowned for (see below for tracklistings). The album is the first full-length recording with relative new recruit to the Hoodoo Gurus’ line-up, on drums – Nik Reith.

Hoodoo Gurus are also appearing on the postponed Red Hot Summer dates with Jimmy Barnes, Jon Stevens, Diesel and Chris Cheney through January and February 2022.

Photos, bios and artwork are available to download from here.

Tickets for Hoodoo Gurus on eMusic Live on Thursday, 10 March 2022 are available from www.emusiclive.com NOW.

Chariot of the Gods is released on Friday, 11 March 2022 on Big Time Records through EMI Music

AUSTRALIA’S QUEEN OF BLUEGRASS ADDS TO GOLDEN GUITAR TALLY & SCORES CMT ADDITION

Australia’s Queen of Bluegrass – Kristy Cox – added to her impressive Golden Guitar Award tally on Saturday night taking out Bluegrass Recording of the Year with her good friend and Australian music legend, Tommy Emmanuel CGP, for their track, “Finger Picking Good”.

The win took Kristy’s personal tally to five Golden Guitar Awards making her one of the most decorated female Bluegrass artists in Australia.

“I am completely blown away and speechless to have received this award for the third year in a row. I love Bluegrass music, it’s where my heart is and this award means so much to me”, said Kristy.

“I can’t thank all those who voted for the track enough for their ongoing support and the industry as a whole. Recording this track with Tommy is one of the highlights of my career so far … he truly is amazing!”

Kristy celebrated under slightly unusual circumstances this year with Covid restrictions rendering it impossible for her to get home to Australia as she traditionally would.

This year, she was snuggled up under a blanket in her favourite pyjamas watching via live stream in Nashville.

“It felt very strange not to be in Australia for the Tamworth festival and the awards. This is the first festival I have missed in over 20 years. Setting my alarm for 2am and watching the awards in my PJ’s was a completely new experience but it didn’t take away from the excitement of the event though … wow, what a night!”

And it didn’t stop there, Kristy, Tommy and her band which also included producer, Jerry Salley, recorded a show stopping performance of the winning song that was played during the awards ceremony showcasing the reason why Kristy Cox is by far one of our greatest music exports.

The performance was so good that CMT Australia instantly added the video across the board to full rotation – airing for the first time on Australia Day.

Kristy’s current album, “No Headlights”, featuring the Golden Guitar Award winning “Finger Picking Good” is out now via Mountain Fever Records.

Benny Allen continues award-winning run

Victorian singer-songwriter Benny Allen has continued his award-winning run at the Australian Country Music People’s Choice Awards.

Although he couldn’t be at the Tamworth Country Music Festival this year, Benny will have a treasured memento from January, taking out the award for Best Bush Ballad with his single, The Battle of Point Nepean.

This follows on from his win in the Australian Country Music People’s Choice Awards last year for Best Video Clip.

“I’m blown away to have had so many people connect with a song about Australia’s first brush with quarantine,” he said.

“It means so much to me, to be included not just as a finalist, but as a winner of one of these prestigious awards. When you look at the historical winners list, it’s humbling to think that my name is being included amongst people that can be identified by their first name in this industry – Troy, Lee, Beccy, Amber and both of the Adams.”

The Battle of Point Nepean is Benny’s first foray into the bush ballad format, chosen for its natural connection to storytelling, but he’s promised it won’t be his last.

“The bush ballad format is something that really appeals to me, particularly as a storytelling format – and I can’t wait to produce more work in this style,” he said.

Benny is working on new music to be released in the coming year.

The Bushwackers given highest Australasian country music honour

The Bushwackers have plenty to celebrate during their Golden Jubilee year after being inducted into the Australasian Country Music Roll of Renown.

The much-loved lively Australian bush band were recognised for their contribution to Australian country music at the Golden Guitars Awards in Tamworth on Saturday, January 23, with front men Dobe Newton and Roger Corbett overcome with emotion at the announcement.

“This is just incredible,” Corbett said.

“It’s been quite a journey. We first came to Tamworth in 1981 and won a Golden Guitar and we fell in love with everybody in country music. We’ve been thrilled to be part of this community, part of Tamworth and part of this wonderful, crazy thing we do every year. Thank you for this incredible honour.

“I want to pay tribute to this bloke (Dobe) here who never fails to turn up in something crazy to wear and thrash that lagerphone to death and be the front person to all our shows; it’s been quite a journey.”

Newton, who has previously been honoured with an OAM for services to the performing arts as an entertainer and advocate, made a heartfelt speech in front of his industry peers in Tamworth.

“We couldn’t have done it without our amazing family and loves of our lives and all the wonderful musicians who have supported us,” he said.

“Now that this has happened, I can die a happy man.”

Their induction to the Roll of Renown was a highlight of the COVID-adjusted Golden Guitar Awards ceremony.

Both Corbett and Newton are also known for their songwriting skills and Newton co-wrote verses of the popular “We Are Australian” anthem with Bruce Woodley of the Seekers.

The Bushwackers won their first Golden Guitar In Tamworth in 1981 and have been regulars in Country Music Capital and on stages all over Australia ever since.

The Roll of Renown was instigated in 1976 by Radio 2TM with a presentation to pioneer Tex Morton.

Awarded to people who have made a lasting and significant contribution to Australasian Country Music, The Bushwackers bronze plaque was the 52nd to be placed on the commemorative rocks outside the Tamworth Regional Entertainment and Conference Centre.

Tamworth mayor Col Murray and Roll of Renown committee chair and industry veteran Max Ellis presented the award to Newton and Corbett.

The plaque includes the words: “A household name, The Bushwackers hold a unique place in the hearts of so many proud Australians.”