Bernard Fanning Celebrates 20 Years of ‘Tea & Sympathy’ with Anniversary Tour

Bernard Fanning is gearing up to hit the road once again, as he celebrates the 20th anniversary of Tear & Sympathy with a tour planned for 2026.

This upcoming tour will feature performances of all tracks from the beloved album, along with additional fan favorites. The renowned Australian singer-songwriter will kick off his tour in February and March, starting in Adelaide and continuing through Perth, the Sunshine Coast, Cairns, Brisbane, Newcastle, Sydney, Thirroul, Canberra, Melbourne, and the Gold Coast.

The tour follows the success of a sold-out anniversary show at QPAC in Brisbane on October 31st. This marked the first time Fanning performed the album in its entirety in 20 years, including classic hits like “Wish You Well,” “Songbird,” and “Thrill is Gone.”

Given the high demand for the QPAC show, where tickets sold out rapidly, fans are encouraged to secure their tickets quickly for Fanning’s upcoming tour. All shows will be all ages, with U18 attendees required to come with a parent or responsible adult.

“It’s a real honor to have created a record that resonates so deeply with people. Many have shared that it transformed their lives. That connection is what every artist hopes for,” Fanning expressed. “Performing these songs live has always felt like a shared, intimate experience, with the audience joining in the celebration.”

“I’m thrilled to take another tour around our country to perform Tear & Sympathy again. Most of the original band is back together, and I can’t wait to play this album from start to finish at some of the country’s most iconic venues.”

Joining Fanning on tour will be Sam Cromack from Ball Park Music and Georgia Mooney of All Our Exes Live in Texas, both of whom are established solo artists as well.

“Having Sam and Georgia join us will make the experience even more enjoyable,” Fanning added.

Tear & Sympathy, one of the most impressive debut albums from the last couple of decades, has reminded fans of the storytelling power and unifying nature of music. Released on October 31, 2005, the album reached No. 1 on the ARIA Albums Chart upon release, winning three ARIA Awards and earning Fanning the APRA Songwriter of the Year award in 2006.

This album showcased Fanning’s lyrical prowess and emotional depth, establishing him as a formidable solo artist alongside his success with the renowned band Powderfinger.

Fanning has also launched 20th-anniversary editions of the album on vinyl and CD today, featuring revamped artwork and exclusive archival content. The double vinyl edition includes special renditions, giving fans a unique opportunity to re-experience or discover this album two decades later.

Additionally, he has reimagined the track “Watch Over Me” with Kasey Chambers and Clare Bowditch for the anniversary release. This version, produced at his Brooklet Studio with Nick DiDia, captures the emotional essence of their memorable 2006 ARIA Awards performance.

Fanning has also been named an ambassador for this year’s Ausmusic T-Shirt Day and has an exclusive shirt designed by Sebi White available for purchase. Proceeds from each shirt sold will support Support Act, the charity dedicated to assisting the music industry.

Pre-sale for artists and venues starts at 10 a.m. on Monday, November 3rd, with general ticket sales opening at noon on Wednesday, November 5th. Fans can sign up for pre-sale notifications.

BERNARD FANNING ‘TEA & SYMPATHY’ 20TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR 2026

Friday, February 27th
Thebarton Theatre, Adelaide SA

Sunday, March 1st (Labour Day Eve)*
Kings Park & Botanic Garden, Perth WA
*Additional guest to be announced

Thursday, March 5th
The Events Centre, Sunshine Coast QLD

Saturday, March 7th*
Cairns Performing Arts Centre, Cairns QLD
* Sam Cromack will not be appearing at this show

Saturday, March 14th
The Fortitude Music Hall, Brisbane QLD

Tuesday, March 17th
Civic Theatre, Newcastle NSW

Friday, March 20th
State Theatre, Sydney NSW

Saturday, March 21st
Anita’s Theatre, Thirroul NSW

Tuesday, March 24th
Canberra Theatre, Canberra ACT

Friday, March 27th
Palais Theatre, Melbourne VIC

Saturday, March 28th
HOTA Theatre, Gold Coast QLD