MICHAEL PAYNTER tours his GREAT AUSTRALIAN SONGBOOK 2026

MICHAEL PAYNTER tours his GREAT AUSTRALIAN SONGBOOK 2026

Fresh from his critically acclaimed and award-winning performance as Jesus in Jesus Christ Superstar, one of Australia’s finest voices, Michael Paynter, is set to strip back the layers, and the volume, taking centre stage in 2026 to celebrate the nation’s most iconic songs, in an intimate solo tour featuring some secret special guests.

As he readies for a return to Carols by Candlelight, the powerhouse vocalist is stepping back from the theatrical stage to return to his roots, heralding a new chapter in his already amazing career. The ‘Great Australian Songbook Tour 2026’ will be a run of exclusive, intimate shows that will see the singer reimagining some of Australia’s most iconic songs in some truly special intimate settings across the country.

Fans can also expect surprise appearances from some special guests, whose identities will remain a closely guarded secret until they step on stage, drawn from peers and collaborators who have shared Paynter’s journey from his signing to Sony in 2007 and his international tours with Miley Cyrus, to performing with Robbie Williams at the 2022 AFL Grand Final and currently touring with the likes of Jimmy Barnes and ICEHOUSE.

“Quite simply the voice of our generation. Michael Paynter is untouchable.” – The Veronicas

“I’ve spent 15 years watching audiences be captivated by Michael’s voice, and this extraordinary show will be no exception. These iconic songs couldn’t be in safer hands.” – Iva Davies

“It’s so great to see a singer who not only sings beautifully but every time he does sing, it becomes a joyous occasion for everyone in the audience.”- Jimmy Barnes

“I am absolutely buzzing to bring this show to life,” says Paynter. “After the massive production of Jesus Christ Superstar, stripping it back to just a guitar and piano is exciting. It’s going to be raw, real, and completely unpredictable. I’m dragging some of my best mates out on the road to surprise you, sharing stories from life on the road and the studio, and singing the anthems that have defined my life and hopefully yours too. It’s been over a decade since I’ve done anything like this, and I can’t wait to see you there.”

Known the world over as a true “singer’s singer”, Paynter is also one of Australia’s most successful songwriters and music producers. He has spent the last two decades collaborating with the giants of the industry, some of whose songs he will be celebrating on the ‘Great Australian Songbook Tour 2026’.

In 2022 he received the ARIA Award for Best Country Album with Casey Barnes’ LP “Light It Up”, which he co-wrote and produced, and is also a 2 x Golden Guitar winner and multiple nominee recipient. Having toured, produced and written with Australian music royalty including John Farnham, Tina Arena, Delta Goodrem, Casey Barnes, James Johnston, Kaylee Bell, Taylor Moss and Icehouse, audiences can expect to hear personal tales about working alongside the greats, woven between stripped-back hits with his trademark soaring vocals.

Don’t miss this opportunity to witness one of Australia’s greatest voices:

Sunday 8 February: Lyric’s Underground, Perth, WA
Wednesday 4 March: Garden of Unearthly Delights, Adelaide, SA
Saturday 7 March: Frankston Arts Centre, Frankston, VIC
Friday 20 March: Sopo Southport, Gold Coast, QLD
Saturday 11 April: The Foundry, Sydney, NSW
Sunday 12 April: Avoca Beach Theatre, Avoca Beach, NSW
Saturday 2 May: Lefty’s Music Hall, Brisbane, QLD
Friday 15 May: Athenaeum Theatre, Melbourne, VIC
Friday 10 July: Festival of Voices, Hobart, TAS

 

Category: Aussie Tour News