Renowned Australian musician Paul Kelly has unveiled plans for his biggest shows yet in Australia and New Zealand, marking his only live performances for 2025.
The highly anticipated tour will see him perform nine arena shows across major cities in August and September 2025, proudly presented by Frontier Touring, Triple M in Australia, and Stuff in New Zealand.
The tour announcement comes ahead of the release of Kelly’s upcoming studio album, Fever Longing Still, set to drop on November 1. This marks his first album of new original material since 2018’s Nature, featuring 12 new additions to his impressive catalogue of love songs spanning over 40 years. The title of the album is inspired by a line from Shakespeare’s Sonnet 147, reflecting the timeless influence of the Bard on Kelly’s songwriting. The album is led by the singles Taught By Experts and Houndstooth Dress, showcasing a band in peak form that fans will experience live on stage next year.
Paul Kelly tour
- Tuesday, 26 August 2025 – RAC Arena, Perth, WA
- Friday, 29 August 2025 – Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Brisbane, QLD
- Saturday, 30 August 2025 – Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney, NSW
- Tuesday, 2 September 2025 – MyState Bank Arena, Hobart, TAS
- Thursday, 4 September 2025 – Adelaide Entertainment Centre, Adelaide, SA
- Saturday, 6 September 2025 – Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne, VIC
- Sunday, 7 September 2025 – Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne, VIC – new show
- Tuesday, 9 September 2025 – Christchurch Town Hall, Christchurch, NZ
- Wednesday, 10 September 2025 – Michael Fowler Centre, Wellington, NZ
- Friday, 12 September 2025 – Auckland Town Hall, Auckland, NZ
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Kelly’s impact on Australian music is undeniable, with 17 ARIA Awards and five APRA Awards to his name, as well as being appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia in 2017. His songs often draw inspiration from the emotional and geographical landscapes of Australia, as demonstrated in classics such as To Her Door, Leaps and Bounds, and How To Make Gravy. His work has illuminated stories from Australian history, including the battle for land rights in the song From Little Things Big Things Grow, co-written with Kev Carmody.
The tour will feature special guest Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit for the Australian shows. Isbell, a six-time GRAMMY winner known for his powerful storytelling, has carved out a distinguished solo career since his time with the Drive-By Truckers. His latest album, Weathervanes, won Best Americana Album at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards, further solidifying his status in the music industry.
Opening for Kelly in Australia will be Fanny Lumsden, a two-time ARIA and nine-time CMAA Golden Guitar winner. Lumsden has made waves in the Australian country music scene, with her debut album HEY DAWN reaching #1 on the ARIA Australian Album charts.
In New Zealand, singer-songwriter Reb Fountain will take the stage, blending folk, art-pop, and rock in a way that has garnered her international acclaim. Fountain’s reputation for exceptional live performances has been solidified by her standout shows at festivals like WOMADelaide and her extensive tours in Europe.
Tickets for all shows will go on sale Wednesday, 30 October at 3 pm local time via the Frontier Touring website. Frontier Members can access early tickets starting Monday, 28 October at 3 pm local time.
With an incredible live band featuring Peter Luscombe, Bill McDonald, Dan Kelly, Cameron Bruce, Jess Hitchcock, and Ash Naylor, Paul Kelly’s live shows promise to be unforgettable experiences for fans across Australia and New Zealand.
For more information, visit Frontier Touring.
