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 CoxDear TommieY.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.

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.”

Ian Burns – Tamworth awards haul

Ian Burns has proven his talents and popularity in the Australian country music scene this month, taking home two awards at the Tamworth Country Music Festival.

The Macarthur singer-songwriter won the Tamworth Songwriters Association Local Heroes Song of the Year for Think Again, co-written with Mary V I Harrison and David Carter.

Ian then added to his Tamworth accolades, winning Best Male Vocal in the 2021 Australian People’s Choice Awards.

“I am overjoyed and really honoured,” he said.

“Thanks. Particularly, to my wife, Susie, for all her support throughout the years, and to everyone who had faith in me and voted. Thank you to my co-writers of Think Again, Mary VI Harrison and David Carter.”

This is not the first time he has won an award from the Tamworth Songwriters Association, previously winning the TSA National Songwriting Contest for Alt/Blues/Bluegrass.

The Local Heroes category in the TSAs was previously an ANZAC section to mark the centenary of World War I, but now honours all heroes in our community.

“Think Again struck a chord with people because it’s a song about never giving up no matter how much is going against you,” he said.

“It is about the fighting spirit of Australians meaning that we will get through adversity and come out bigger and stronger than ever.”

Ian plans to build on this award-winning success with more releases to come in 2021.

Golden duo for Luke O'Shea

Thirteen is lucky for some, and for Luke O’Shea, it’s brought plenty of gold his way at the 49th Country Music Awards of Australia in Tamworth.

The Sutherland Shire singer-songwriter picked up his 13th Golden Guitar on Saturday night, January 23, after winning Traditional Album of the Year and Heritage Song of the Year.

This marks O’Shea’s seventh win in Heritage Song of the Year and his first Album of the Year category Golden Guitar.

Fellow multi-Golden Guitar winning singer-songwriter Kevin Bennett shared the Heritage Song of the Year win with O’Shea, for their collaboration, Happy Australia Day, while O’Shea’s album, There In The Ochre, won Traditional Album of the Year.

“This album, There In The Ochre, has been without a doubt the hardest and most rewarding album I have ever made,” he said.

“It was started more than three years ago and then life just got in the way – three teenage daughters and a complete house renovation saw all my creative juices and finances focused on other things. But, through the shared passion of some of my all-time favourite musicians and people on the planet, it finally came together.”

O’Shea recorded There In The Ochre across more than 12 different studios over three different states with the skills and ability of people including Lyn Bowtell, Ashleigh Dallas, Kevin Bennett, Brad Butcher, Amber Lawrence, Chris Matthews, Bill Risby, Michel Rose, Clare O’Meara, Stuie and Camille French, Damien Cafarella, Lachlan Bryan, Luke Herbert, Benjy and Soni Pocock, Phil and Lana Doublet, and Sean Rudd who pulled it all together.

“I have always loved the craft of making an album – the light and dark, the ebb and flow, and even though that doesn’t get as appreciated in this world of digital downloads, this album is dedicated to those who love to listen to the whole story – the book,” O’Shea said.

“That is you, you magnificent country music audiences and for that I am eternally grateful and determined to keep on creating music and stories that might entertain, console and challenge, so thank you for letting me be me.”

In terms of challenging songs, the award-winning Happy Australia Day is meant to educate and encourage listeners to think about the significance of January 26.

“Without doubt, the Heritage Award is the category that inspires me the most,” O’Shea said.

“The Heritage category gives you the opportunity to tell stories, to sing up our distinct and unique past, our history and its people – warts and all.”

O’Shea said songwriting allowed him to celebrate the pride he has for our country and share the love and inspiration it provided and wanted others to feel it too.

“To be given the honour of this award means so much to me because that means somewhere, somehow, through some line or melody I was able to connect with you,” he said.

“Happy Australia Day is not a pretty song but, like it or not, it is our history and we have to own it. It was written with the great Kevin Bennett – a Kamilaroi man – not to shame or embarrass, but to educate.”

O’Shea is a school teacher and wanted more facts known about our pre-European history and our shared history, both black and white.

“Through learning about these remarkable Indigenous Australians, it is our hope that you might gain a new and valuable perspective of our past so that you might better understand where we are at currently so that, together, we might make better informed and more compassionate decisions about our future united – as one, and perhaps one day get to share a true Happy Australia Day.”

O’Shea has also just released a new single with Golden Guitar-winning Tamworth singer-songwriter Ashleigh Dallas called Long Way ‘Round.

Tom Curtain, Lee Kernaghan and Sara Storer tribute to Joy McKean vies for Heritage Song of the Year Golden Guitar

She Gave Us The Song, a tribute to Joy McKean, is in the running for the 2021 Golden Guitar for Heritage Song of the Year.

Kelly Dixon and Garth Porter penned the song, a collaboration between Tom Curtain, Lee Kernaghan and Sara Storer, featured on Tom’s latest album, We’re Still Here.

The song has already featured at the Golden Guitar Awards presentation, with Tom, Sara, Lee, Troy Cassar-Daley and Lyn Bowtell joining forces at the 2020 event for the finale song in front of music royalty.

“It was humbling to get up there with those amazing artists and perform the song in front of a packed house, but having Joy sitting in the front row was very nerve-wracking,” he said.

“It’s an honour to pay tribute to Joy through this song with Lee and Sara because she has done so much for country music and for Slim Dusty and is a great songwriter in her own right.

“It’s particularly special to have She Gave Us The Song in the top five finalist tracks of the Heritage Song of the Year category in the year the Slim and I documentary also paid tribute to the contribution Joy has made to Australian country music.”

Tom won Heritage Song of the Year with Never Never Land in 2018, with Luke O’Shea.

To view the performance of She Gave Us The Song at the 2020 Golden Guitar Awards, click here.

Tom is preparing to start his In The West tour in December, which will take him and his Katherine Outback Experience horse and dog show through Western Australia, South Australia and the Northern Territory if border restrictions allow.

ONLINE EDUCATIONAL EVENT TO FEATURE SUPERSTARS AND LEADERS OF THE COUNTRY MUSIC INDUSTRY

The Country Music Association of Australia Inc. are proud to announce the first ever ‘Academy X’ online educational event to take place Saturday 9 & Sunday 10 January, 2021. The Academy X program will feature superstars and leaders of the country music industry giving students invaluable information on various aspects of the music industry, including songwriting, record labels, publishing, management, festivals and touring, recording, performance, video production and media strategies. There will be a focus on resilience, innovation and mental health in a post-COVID world.

The two-day course will feature key note presentations by country music superstars Troy Cassar-Daley, Brooke McClymont, Kasey Chambers, Beccy Cole, Shane Nicholson, Amber Lawrence, Fanny Lumsden and Caitlyn Shadbolt along with industry leaders including Matt Fell (award winning producer, Love Hz Studio), Julz Parker (award winning producer), Dan Biddle (Artist Manager and Chairman, CMAA), Natalie Waller (Head of ABC Music & Events and Vice-Chair, CMAA), Duncan Toombs (award winning video director, The Filmery), Geoff Bell (Agent & Promoter, Laing Entertainment) and Simon Johnson (multi-instrumentalist and producer, Hillbilly Hut), as well as Support Act with a presentation on mental health and resilience in the music industry.

Group leaders and mentors for the students will include award-winning artists Lyn Bowtell, Dobe Newton, Roger Corbett, Catherine Britt, Amber Lawrence, Lachlan Bryan, Ashleigh Dallas, Kevin Bennett, David Carter, Jayne Denham and Mickey Pye and they will provide the intensive hands on experience that has been an integral part of The Academy for so long.

The Academy (previously known as the CMAA Academy of Country Music) has operated from Tamworth since 1997, normally running for two weeks preceding the Toyota Country Music Festival, Tamworth. The news of the move to the online format follows the announcement that the Tamworth Country Music Festival will be suspended for 2021 in light of restrictions due to COVID-19. This is the first time in the 24-year history of The Academy that an in-person event will not take place in January.

The Academy has been an important steppingstone in the careers of hundreds of artists including Jessica Mauboy, Brooke McClymont, Sara Storer, Travis Collins, Amber Lawrence, Adam Eckersley, Caitlyn Shadbolt, Judah Kelly, Kylie Sackley, The Sunny Cowgirls, Ashleigh Dallas, Melanie Dyer, Imogen Clark and many more. Academy X is set to continue that tradition and give a fresh group of emerging artists and songwriters the chance to connect with some of the best in the business and forge long-lasting connections with their peers.

The Academy Director, Lyn Bowtell and General Manager, Roger Corbett (both multi award-winning singer-songwriters) are excited by the opportunity to continue the important educational experience that The Academy provides, albeit in an online setting.

Corbett said, “Academy X is available to artists and songwriters from Australia and the world. From past Academy students looking to refresh and expand their careers to first time students gaining insights into the country music industry, they’ll be able to gain inspiration and insight from this amazing line up of key-note speakers and hands-on group leaders.”

Bowtell added “Students can expect the same passion and focus that our lecturers bring to the in-person version of the Academy and we look forward to nurturing the next crop of country music stars in a post-COVID world”.

CMAA Chairman, Dan Biddle noted, “We thank all of the key-note speakers and mentors who will come together to deliver an online presentation which will educate and unite our emerging country music artists.” He added “We look forward to The Academy returning to Tamworth in a physical capacity when restrictions ease and until that time, Academy X will provide the platform our industry needs in order to foster new talent for the future.”

Registrations for Academy X open at 11am Friday, October 16

with early bird pricing available until Monday, November 30

To register or for more information, visit www.academycountrymusic.com.au.

Manning Riverstage Opening concert fundraiser for the Australian Children's Music Foundation

A major concert fundraiser hosted by the Rotary Club of Taree will take place on Friday 6 November
2020 (7pm-9pm) – at the new Rotary/Lions Manning River Stage at Queen Elizabeth Park.
The “Riverstage Opening” event will showcase the magnificent foreshore entertainment space – with
monies raised going directly to support the incredible work of The Australian Children’s Music
Foundation (ACMF) within the Taree Schools Group.
Pending government regulations, the event will see as many people gather along the banks of the
river as restrictions permit. To allow for greater access and donations, the concert will be made
available online via live Stream-a-thon, enabled by Pluto Entertainment.
The Australian Children’s Music Foundation (ACMF) is a not-for-profit organisation inspiring
creativity and imagination by providing weekly music education classes and instruments to
disadvantaged children and youth at risk throughout Australia.
The ACMF has been delivering life-changing music programs to Manning Schools for almost a decade
at: Chatham High School, Chatham Public, Manning Gardens, Taree High, and Taree Public – with the
continued support of the Future Generation Investment Company, and Manning Valley Rotary Clubs.
The charity was founded in 2002, by singer/songwriter and talented entertainer, DON SPENCER
OAM. For over 18 years Don has worked to provide long term music education to disadvantaged
children across Australia.
Local teachers, Matt Zarb, Brad Bunyan and Stuart Lovell motivate, educate, and inspire school
children through a broad variety of music tuition, such as singing and song-writing, percussion,
drumming, guitar tuition, the forming of school bands, and music for special needs units. The ACMF
recently introduced a bushfire relief music program within the area, to aid the healing and recovery
of children and families affected.
Don Spencer will be present at “Riverstage Opening” concert – accompanied by a line-up of
outstanding music acts, including Rob Mills (who will compare the event pending Covid Government
restrictions), Casey Donovan, Darren Jack, James Johnston, Keanu Jai Live, Jake Davey, the
Taree High Support Unit, and a sensational performance by ACMF music students.
The “Riverstage Opening” concert presents an opportunity for local audiences to contribute to a very
important cause: benefiting the emotional and mental health of children, through music. For more
information, visit: www.acmf.com.au