Today : Mar 19, 2025
Arts & Culture
19 March 2025

Pete Murray Kicks Off 55-Date Acoustic Tour Across Australia

The intimate performance schedule features hits and personal stories from the beloved singer-songwriter.

Singer-songwriter Pete Murray is embarking on a 55-date acoustic tour across regional Australia, kicking off on May 9, 2025, in Darwin and concluding on September 7, 2025, in the scenic Blue Mountains. The tour, supported by emerging talents Rachael Fahim and Brett Wood, promises an intimate experience for fans across the nation.

Murray, now 55, has selected a diverse range of venues including the Albury Entertainment Centre, Sawtell RSL, and the Yuin Theatre in Batemans Bay. He aims to create a unique atmosphere at each show, where he not only performs his beloved hits but also engages meaningfully with his audience. "I like having that communication with the crowd so that they feel like they're part of the show, not just watching the show," he expressed, emphasizing the importance of audience interaction.

Among the highlights of his performances will be stories from his remarkable career, charting his rise in the music industry and sharing insights into his songwriting process. Audience members will have the opportunity to ask questions; a gesture that Murray believes enriches the concert experience. "It's their show too; they get that chance to ask me something they've always wanted to ask," he shared, reiterating his commitment to connecting with fans deeply during the shows.

Reflecting on his journey, Murray recalls how an unexpected twist led him into music. Originally, he was headed for a career in sports medicine, but, as he described, initially pursuing guitar lessons at the suggestion of his housemate, Charlie, led him onto the path of music. "Turns out he didn't go, but I went and had a couple of lessons. It's because of him I got started," he reminisced, paying tribute to the friend whose influence was pivotal in his career.

The music world first took note of Murray in the early 2000s with his critically acclaimed albums such as The Game (2001), Feeler (2003), and See the Sun (2005). His album Feeler garnered multiple nominations at the ARIA Awards, including Best Breakthrough Artist and Best Blues and Roots Album. His single 'So Beautiful' was a defining moment in his career, ultimately leading to nominations for several prestigious categories the following year. This kind of recognition has solidified his reputation within Australia’s music scene, earning him a total of 17 ARIA nominations over the years.

Continuing to create music that resonates, his latest single, I Am Fire, released on March 13, 2025, reveals his sensitivity to social issues. The song’s powerful lyrics reflect the heroism seen in challenging global conflicts like the Russia-Ukraine War and the Israel-Palestine War. "For me, they're the real heroes in the world, standing up for human rights," he stated, giving his artistic expression a purposeful societal context.

Murray's enthusiasm for performance remains as vibrant as ever. Sharing his aspirations, he exclaimed, "One of my goals is to be playing music until I'm in my 80s; this is the best job in the world." This passion guarantees that fans can look forward to more original music as he continues to write and create, stating that he is "already started writing the next album."

As the tour approaches, Murray has already confirmed venues throughout Australia. The schedule showcases an array of locations with dates set at the following venues:

- Fri, May 9 - Mayberry, Darwin NT | 18+
- Sat, May 10 - Alice Springs Brewing Co, Alice Springs NT | 18+
- Thu, May 15 - The Wedge, Sale VIC | All ages
- Fri, May 16 - Melbourne Recital Centre, Melbourne VIC | AA
- Sat, May 17 - Albury Entertainment Centre, Albury NSW | AA
- Sun, May 18 - Swan Hill Town Hall, Swan Hill VIC | AA
- Thu, May 22 - Riverlinks Eastbank, Shepparton VIC | AA
- Fri, May 23 - Wrest Point Showroom, Hobart TAS | AA
- Sat, May 24 - Country Club Showroom, Launceston TAS | AA
- Sun, May 25 - Frankie J's, Devonport TAS | 18+

Additional performances are scheduled to continue through June and July, with final shows in early September. Murray's tour route will touch upon various other vibrant venues, creating ample opportunities for fans to celebrate his music and connect with him personally.

The excitement builds as Murray prepares to share his musical journey in an unforgettable way, reflecting on a successful career while continuing to inspire audiences with his heartfelt songs. There's no doubt this acoustic tour will be a memorable chapter in both Murray's life and the lives of his dedicated fans.