Jon Cleary & The Absolute Monster Gentlemen Announce Australian Tour 2027

Two-time Grammy Award winner Jon Cleary and his longtime backing band The Absolute Monster Gentlemen return to Australia in 2027 for a run of shows across March.

The master of New Orleans funk and R&B, Cleary has been at the top of his game for more than three decades, while his band, featuring Cornell C. Williams on bass and backup vocals and Thomas Glass on drums, are one of the most respected purveyors of the New Orleans sound.

Cleary's tour announcement coincides with the release of his new album Live at the Royal Albert Hall, which drops this Friday 2 October. Recorded on June 16 last year, the album's 11-track record features highlights of Cleary's songbook and tributes to greats like Lloyd Price and Jelly Roll Morton.

"I’ve played the Hollywood Bowl, Sydney Opera House and Bertha's Bon Ton Lounge on Basin Street but there's nothing quite like getting down at the Royal Albert Hall in London,” Cleary said of his performance at Royal Albert Hall.

"Funky New Orleans music makes you feel good - no matter where you are, it just works. The Albert Hall is a big space, the show was sold out and the place was packed, but everyone was in the right mood and it only took a couple of bars to get the room feeling loose like a New Orleans jook joint- everybody in the groove."

Cleary and co kick things off in Melbourne at the Recital Centre on Friday 5 March, followed by an appearance at Port Fairy Folk Festival in Port Fairy on Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 March. The tour then hits Adelaide's The Gov on Monday 8 March, followed by Sydney's City Recital Centre on Wednesday 10 March and Brisbane's The Old Museum on Thursday 11 March, finishing up at Tanks Arts Centre in Cairns on Sunday 14 March.

Tickets on sale Wednesday 30 September at joncleary.com

 READ MORE: Men Without Hats Plot Australian Tour 2027

Born in London, Cleary fell in love with the sound of New Orleans as a youngster and made the move across the pond before he reached 20.

He soon found himself working alongside New Orleans legends including Earl King, Johnny Adams, Walter "Wolfman" Washington, Snooks Eaglin, Ernie K-Doe, Jessie Hill and the legendary Dr John, while also touring extensively with Bonnie Raitt and Taj Mahal.

Cleary has released over 10 albums, including 2024's The Bywater Sessions with The Absolute Monster Gentlemen and this year's solo release Live at Royal Albert Hall.

Last in Australia in 2024, Cleary's return is one not to be missed for lovers of deep grooves, piano mastery and good-time rhythms.

Catch Jon Cleary & The Absolute Monster Gentlemen performing at The Gov on Monday 8 March. Ticketing information is available at joncleary.com.