Tom Waits tribute series brings blues storytelling legacy to life
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18.07.2025

Tom Waits tribute series brings blues storytelling legacy to life

Tom Waits
words by staff writer

10 Years of Tom brings Tom Waits darkly poetic world to three Victorian venues this October.

The tribute concert celebrates the 40th anniversary of Tom Waits’ seminal album Rain Dogs.

Australian musicians Glenn Richards from Augie March, Lachlan Bryan, Queenie, Delsinki and Maggie Alley lead the performances.

10 Years of Tom Waits

  • October 10: The Potato Shed, Drysdale
  • October 11: Ballarat PAC The Chapel
  • October 12: Brunswick Ballroom
  • Tickets: here

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10 Years of Tom honours Tom Waits’ creative period from 1977 to 1987. This decade produced some of his most celebrated work including the groundbreaking Rain Dogs album.

Tom Waits has captivated audiences for four decades with his distinctive storytelling style. His music blends jazz, blues and avant-garde rock into something uniquely compelling. The American singer-songwriter built his reputation on gritty narratives and experimental soundscapes.

The tribute features an all-star backing band. Holly Thomas from Quivers, Stacey Gray from Trial Kennedy, Ania Reynolds from Circus OZ and Steve Hadley from Tex Perkins will support.

Audiences can expect performances of Waits classics including Downtown Train, Clap Hands and Jockey Full of Bourbon. The concerts promise an immersive journey through the enigmatic spirit of Waits’ catalogue.

Richards and his collaborators aim to capture the raw emotion that defines Waits’ work. The performances will showcase the depth and complexity of songs from this pivotal period in the artist’s career.

The concerts represent more than simple covers. They offer reinterpretations that honour the source material while bringing fresh perspectives to beloved songs.

Australian audiences rarely get opportunities to hear Waits’ music performed live. These tribute concerts fill that gap with local talent interpreting his extensive catalogue. Sounds great to us!

For more information, head here.