The concert series is a celebration of Waits’ legendary career.
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Celebrating Tom Waits is a new series of concerts paying homage to the one and only Tom Waits - his music, his style and his legacy.
The iconic American troubadour, known for his deep, gravely baritone, is one of the most influential artists in music history, with a backcatalogue spanning over four decades.
A celebration of his music, the tour features four of Australia’s most impactful voices: Dave Graney, Hugo Race (The Wreckery), Richie Weed (Tumbleweed) and Peter Fenton (Crow). The four quartet are bringing Waits vast catalogue to life through their own unique vocal stylings, giving new meaning to the Prince of Melancholy’s most treasured songs.
Celebrating Tom Waits kicks off at Sydney’s Factory Theatre on Friday 19 June. Shows follow at Melbourne’s Max Watts on Saturday 20 June, Brisbane’s The Triffid on Saturday 27 June and Adelaide’s The Gov on Sunday 28 June.
Pre-sale begins on Friday 6 February at 10am AEDT. Register here. General on-sale takes place Monday 9 February at 10am AEDT via metropolistouring.com.
All four singers taking part in this tribute to Tom Waits have been mainstays of the Australian music scene for decades. SA rock legend Dave Graney has been writing and performing since the late ‘70s, collaborating with his longtime partner, drummer and multi-instrumentalist Clare Moore and fronting bands such as The Moodists and Dave Graney and the Coral Snakes. He even won an ARIA Award in 1996 for Best Male Artist.
Hugo Race is an internationally acclaimed Australian musician, singer-songwriter and producer who was an original member of Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds. After parting ways with Nick and co, he fronted ‘80s underground icons The Wreckery and has continued to release experimental blues rock with his long-running project Hugo Race & The True Spirit.
Lead vocalist of ‘90s favourites Tumbleweed, Richie Lewis was at the forefront of Australia’s grunge and alternative scene, with his distinct voice and energetic stage presence unforgettable.
Last but not least is Peter V. Fenton, a singer-songwriter who founded the rock band Crow in 1986. He’s also released the acclaimed solo album, In the Lovers Arms, starred in several movies and published a book.
Catch Celebrating Tom Waits at The Gov on Sunday 28 June. Ticketing information available at metropolistouring.com.
Celebrating Tom Waits Australian Tour Dates 2026
Friday 19 June – Factory Theatre, Sydney, NSW
Saturday 20 June – Max Watts, Melbourne, VIC
Saturday 27 June – The Triffid, Brisbane, QLD
Sunday 28 June – The Gov, Adelaide, SA
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