News · 11 December 2025

Michael Paynter Plots ‘Great Australian Songbook’ National Tour

Acclaimed singer Michael Paynter’s upcoming tour is a celebration of Australia’s greatest songs.

Acclaimed Australian vocalist Michael Paynter has announced the Great Australian Songbook Tour for 2026.

The run of nine shows follows Paynter’s critically acclaimed and award-winning performance as Jesus in Jesus Christ Superstar and finds the crooner performing Australia’s most iconic songs, including some he has had a hand in creating.

“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.”

Paynter’s Great Australian Songbook Tour commences in Perth at Lyric’s Underground on Sunday 8 February. He then heads to Adelaide and performs as the Garden of Unearthly Delights as part of Adelaide Fringe on Wednesday 4 March, followed by dates at Frankston’s Arts Centre on Saturday 7 March, Gold Coast’s Sopo Southport on Friday 20 March, Sydney’s The Foundry on Saturday 11 April and Avoca Beach’s Theatre on Sunday 12 April.

The final three dates take place at Brisbane’s Lefty’s Music Hall on Saturday 2 May, Melbourne’s Athenaeum Theatre on Friday 15 May and Hobart’s Festival of Voices on Friday 10 July.

Tickets for all shows are on sale now via michaelpaynter.com.

Regarded as a “singer’s singer”, Paynter is one of the country’s most successful songwriters and producers, having worked with the likes of John Farnham, Tina Arena, Delta Goodrem, Casey Barnes, James Johnston, Kaylee Bell, Taylor Moss and ICEHOUSE across his two-decade career.

Winning the 2022 ARIA Award for Best Country Album with Casey Barnes’ LP Light It Up, Paynter has also collaborated with international stars such as Aloe Blacc and Mason Ramsey.

Called “the voice of our generation” by The Veronicas, Paynter’s Great Australian Songbook Tour is not to be missed for music lovers.

Catch Michael Paynter performing at Adelaide Fringe on Wednesday 4 March. Tickets on sale now via michaelpaynter.com.