A profound and timeless collection of songs from one of Australia’s most beloved singer-songwriters, Bob Evans’ 2006 sophomore album Suburban Songbook remains a critical and commercial success story two decades beyond its release. And fittingly in 2026, Bob Evans today announces a national headline tour for the 20^th Anniversary of Suburban Songbook, set to perform the record in its entirety with full band this September and October, along with a special 20^th Anniversary Edition of Suburban Songbook available digitally and on vinyl on September 4.

Tickets for Bob Evans’ 20^th Anniversary Tour of Suburban Songbook are on-sale now from bobevans.com.au.

An album that would pave the way for an enduring and luminary legacy, Suburban Songbook also played a pivotal role in showcasing the boundless sonic palette of Bob Evans, aka Kevin Mitchell. Renowned at the time for his tenure as frontman for alt-rockers Jebediah, Kevin adopted the pseudonym Bob Evans and released the debut album Suburban Kid in 2003, before penning the groundbreaking Suburban Songbook in Perth, and recording the album in Nashville with producer Brad Jones.

“When I think back to going to Nashville in 2005 to make the record and the whole two years that followed the album’s release, it does feel like a whole other life almost,” Bob Evans muses, looking back at Suburban Songbook two decades after its release. “I was coming fresh out of 10 years with Jebediah and even though I had been working on the Bob Evans thing for a while, it was always a side project that was never very serious.  But with Suburban Songbook things were getting much more serious, both creatively and professionally. I guess when I think back to that time, I see a someone who is still a kid but not for very much longer. It was very much a transitional time of my life. I feel way older now!”

Leaning into folk-pop and acoustic territory as Bob Evans, it would be Suburban Songbook that cemented the multi-faceted artist as a gifted and engrossing storyteller, weaving personal and relatable anecdotes into breezy but poignant cuts laden with pop, country and charm, including on the album’s breakout hit single Don’t You Think It’s Time. Taking home the 2006 ARIA Music Award for Best Adult Contemporary Album, Suburban Songbook would go on to be certified Gold, debut at #16 on the ARIA Album charts, tick off a nomination for Australian Album of the Year at triple j’s 2006 J Awards, and in 2010 it was also listed in the book 100 Best Australian Albums compiled by music journalists Toby Creswell, Craig Mathiesonand John O’Donnell.

“It was a really special time in my life,” shares Bob of the making of Suburban Songbook. “I was writing and demoing songs kind of in secret for a couple of years and was feeling hugely inspired, but the music was quite different to what had come before, both for Bob and definitely for Jebs.”

“I felt so free and like anything was possible,” Bob continues, “which is an amazing mindset to be in when you are trying to create stuff. I remember feeling ambitious on a creative level, not a professional one. I was listening to a lot of Beatles and Beach Boys records and thinking, these guys wrote their masterpieces before they turned 30 and I was in my mid to late 20’s. I felt like I needed to push myself and really reach for the stars because I was at an age where all my heroes were doing their best stuff.  I’m not suggesting anything other than that is just where my head was at. I wasn’t trying to emulate Brian Wilson or John Lennon or anything. I just felt inspired to push myself as far as I could and see what I was capable of. The more I sort of went down that road the more exciting it was and I was enjoying the process so much and felt like what I was doing might be special, but I didn’t really know what other people would think.”

Alongside Nowhere Without You, Suburban Songbook gifted an assortment of effortlessly charming moments, including the jangly Nowhere Without You, the Beatles-esque Don’t Walk Alone and the winsome twang of Sadness & Whiskey; all of which will be witnessed live in action in 2026 across the country, with both fans and Bob Evans himself set to revisit some of these songs live in action for the first time in years.

“I’m really excited to revisit this album and all the songs that kind of fell off the setlist over the years,” shares Bob. “For example, a song like “Don’t Walk Alone” is one that I barely ever played again once the album tour had finished but it is one of my favourite songs on the album. It’s just one that doesn’t translate well solo. I’ve assembled a really wonderful group of players for this tour and so recreating the album with a full band will be awesome.  I’m also excited to see how the record still resonates with people after so long.”

With the upcoming tour set to celebrate Suburban Songbook “in full, in order, with a cracking band and some extras”, as Bob reveals, an extra piece of the album’s milestone will also unveil in 2026, with a special 20^th anniversary edition of Suburban Songbook set for release on Friday 4 September. Pre-sales for the vinyl and digital 20^th anniversary edition are on-sale now from bobevans.com.au, with the vinyl version pressed in a limited edition ‘gold nugget’ colour. Additionally, the digital version will be remastered and inclusive of several never-before-released demos, as Bob elaborates, “One thing that might interest some people is that with the digital streaming version of the anniversary re-release I am putting up all the demos of songs that never made the record. These are the authentic 4 track versions made in the back sunroom of my little Perth rental between 2003 and 2006. They are raw to say the least!!”

Don’t miss your chance to experience one of the most beloved Australian albums of all time this September and October with Bob Evans primed to take the Suburban Songbook 20^th Anniversary Tour around the country.

Tickets for Bob Evans’ 20^th Anniversary Tour of Suburban Songbook are on-sale now from bobevans.com.au.

BOB EVANS – UPCOMING TOUR DATES:

SAT 05 SEP | ROSEMOUNT HOTEL, BOORLOO/PERTH WA | 18+
Tickets available from www.oztix.com.au | 1300 762 545 | All Oztix Outlets

FRI 16 OCT | HOWLER, NAARM/MELBOURNE VIC | 18+
Tickets available from www.moshtix.com.au| 1300 GET TIX | All Moshtix Outlets

THU 22 OCT | LION ARTS FACTORY, TARDANYA/ADELAIDE SA | 18+
Tickets available from www.moshtix.com.au | 1300 GET TIX | All Moshtix Outlets

FRI 23 OCT | CROWBAR, MEANJIN/BRISBANE QLD | 18+
Tickets available from www.oztix.com.au | 1300 762 545 | All Oztix Outlets

SAT 24 OCT | CROWBAR, EORA/SYDNEY NSW | 18+
Tickets available from www.oztix.com.au | 1300 762 545 | All Oztix Outlets

Following overwhelming demand and a string of sold-out performances, beloved singer-songwriter and guitar virtuoso, Diesel has announced a brand new spring edition of his acclaimed BY REQUEST tour, taking his uniquely audience-driven live experience to 22 venues across New South Wales and Victoria this September, October and November.

Returning to regional stages after the enormous success of the tour’s first chapters, BY REQUEST places the setlist firmly in the hands of the audience, with fans invited to submit the songs they want to hear before each performance – cover songs included. Also drawing from a catalogue that spans more than four decades, the result is an intimate, unpredictable and deeply personal evening where every show takes on a life of its own.

Beginning on September 4 at The Playhouse, Civic Theatre in Newcastle, the spring run will weave through regional centres including Singleton, Queanbeyan, Griffith, Milton, Bega, Daylesford, Echuca, Bendigo, Ballarat and Cowes before wrapping up in Bathurst on November 28.

Tickets for all BY REQUEST spring 2026 dates are on sale now via dieselmusic.com.au.

From fan favourites and chart-topping classics through to deep cuts and unexpected gems, BY REQUEST continues to offer audiences a rare opportunity to shape the soundtrack of the evening. The tour has also become known for its spontaneous moments, with Diesel often dipping into the music that inspired him along the way, creating a show that feels equally like a concert, a conversation and a celebration of live music.

“The longer we do these shows, the more I realise just how much fun it is handing over the reins,” says Diesel. “I love the light and shade that the requests are bringing to my show, from Hendrix to Gershwin, getting to play a classic like ‘Moon River’ and ‘Stay’ by Rihanna was not on my bingo card before BY REQUEST! I can’t wait to see what songs are requested for this next run of shows!”

“I’m thrilled to be visiting more parts of regional NSW and VIC, this BY REQUEST show that has proven to be a deep well of exploration and connection, and after decades of live performances, I feel we share the same tastes too! I love hearing the anecdotes behind the songs being selected, inspiring and humbling at once.”

Operating under the moniker Diesel, American-born, Australian-based musician Mark Lizotte has spent decades establishing himself as one of the country’s most respected and enduring artists. Since first emerging with Johnny Diesel & The Injectors in the late 1980s, Diesel has built an extraordinary career defined by acclaimed songwriting, virtuosic musicianship and an unwavering commitment to live performance.

With multiple ARIA Awards, chart-topping albums and over 400 registered songs with APRA, Diesel has a catalogue that effortlessly traverses rock, blues, soul, pop and roots music. Diesel remains one of Australia’s most compelling performers and his latest studio album, Bootleg Melancholy, further showcases his ability to evolve while remaining true to the musical instincts that have earned him generations of devoted fans.

As BY REQUEST continues to connect audiences with every era of his remarkable career, the spring 2026 dates promise another unforgettable series of nights built entirely around the songs fans love most.
Tickets for all BY REQUEST Spring 2026 dates are available now from www.dieselmusic.com.au

DIESEL – BY REQUEST SPRING 2026 TOUR DATES
FRI 04 SEP | THE PLAYHOUSE, CIVIC THEATRE | NEWCASTLE NSW
SAT 05 SEP | SINGLETON CIVIC CENTRE | SINGLETON NSW
FRI 25 SEP | THE QUEANBEYAN PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE | QUEANBEYAN NSW
SAT 26 SEP | GRIFFITH REGIONAL THEATRE | GRIFFITH NSW
FRI 02 OCT | MILTON THEATRE | MILTON NSW
SAT 03 OCT | BEGA VALLEY COMMEMORATIVE CIVIC CENTRE | BEGA NSW
FRI 09 OCT | BARWON HEADS HOTEL | BARWON HEADS VIC
SAT 10 OCT | HEPBURN PALAIS | DAYLESFORD VIC
FRI 23 OCT | THE CUBE | CAMPBELLTOWN NSW
SAT 24 OCT | AVOCA BEACH THEATRE | AVOCA BEACH NSW
FRI 30 OCT | ALBURY ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE | ALBURY NSW
SAT 31 OCT | MONTREAL COMMUNITY THEATRE | TUMUT NSW
FRI 06 NOV | ECHUCA PARAMOUNT | ECHUCA VIC
SAT 07 NOV | SWAN HILL TOWN HALL | SWAN HILL VIC
FRI 13 NOV | GIPPSLAND PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE (GPAC) | TRARALGON VIC
SAT 14 NOV | ALL SEASONS | BENDIGO VIC
SUN 15 NOV | HAMILTON PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE | HAMILTON VIC
FRI 20 NOV | LORNE THEATRE | LORNE VIC
SAT 21 NOV | HER MAJESTY’S THEATRE | BALLARAT VIC
SUN 22 NOV | BERNINNEIT | COWES VIC
FRI 27 NOV | THE REGENT THEATRE | RICHMOND NSW
SAT 28 NOV | KEYSTONE 1889 | BATHURST NSW

TUESDAY 16TH JUNE 2026
The RED HOT SUMMER TOUR will take place in 2026, featuring Australian Crawl alongside Men At Work. The lineup includes Birds of Tokyo, Vika & Linda, Eskimo Joe, Boom Crash Opera, and Ella Hooper.

James Reyne, Simon Binks, and David Reyne will perform together for the first time in over 40 years, joined by John Watson (’83-’86), Brett Kingman, Josh Owen, Andrew McIvor, Sean Johnson, Melinda Jackson, and Nicole Kurta. Australian Crawl, formed in 1978, is known for numerous chart hits in their career until disbanding in 1986.

Men At Work, formed in Melbourne in 1979, are known for hits including ‘Down Under’, ‘Who Can It Be Now’, and ‘Overkill’. They disbanded in 1985 but have continued to perform since.

James Reyne says “We ran our own shows on the Pen and a following grew.  One can only shake one’s head at the sometimes wonderful inventions of folly in all its guises and forms for the trip was a blast; such fun and high spirits were had that upon return we decided we should perhaps give this thing a year, before we returned to our studies; just to see what happens.  What a ride.”

Simon Binks stated “I’m looking forward to this upcoming celebration of Australian Crawl. Who would have thought that this far down the track three original members would be sharing the same stage once again.”

David Reyne commented “Back in 1979, a bunch of us from the beaches of the Mornington Peninsula twanged some guitars, banged some drums, blended together some tunes and played a gig or two for the local board riders’ club. They swung from the rafters, stomped the floorboards and drank an Army’s worth of beer.  Buoyed by the reaction, we loaded the gear into the back of a couple of old Holdens and plied our noise all the way up the East Coast. It was a riot. Each night a howling, joyous, sunburnt shindig. Australian Crawl was born.  What a delight it will be to do it all again with those of us from the original gang who haven’t yet propped permanently at Heaven’s Bar.”

Formed in Melbourne in 1979 and best known for breakthrough hits such as ‘Down Under’, ‘Who Can It Be Now’, ‘Be Good Johnny’, ‘Overkill’, and ‘It’s a Mistake’, Men At Work achieved global success as a Grammy-winning, multi-platinum selling act before disbanding in 1985.

“The first two Men At Work records went crazy,” Colin reflects. “And when you have success like that, the dust never really settles. I learned only through time and experience, not to compete with my past, but embrace it, and let it live with me…. not in the main house of course, but in the casita down the back yard.”

Responding to demand, Colin Hay and Greg Ham continued to tour the world as Men At Work from 1996 into the 2000s. Sadly, Greg Ham passed away in 2012. Founding member Colin Hay has developed a solo career over the last 35 years, writing, recording, and touring extensively throughout the world as a solo artist. He is presently part of Ringo Starr’s All Starr Band.

Since 2019, he has also toured and played under the Men At Work banner with his formidably talented group of LA based musicians, where he plays an exclusively Men At Work set, including all the hits and dearly loved songs which have clearly stood the test of time.

“My favourite Men At Work tour was the summer of 1981, when our stars were in ascension, and we hugged the coast of eastern Australia, and the west from memory.  I very much look forward to returning, 45 years on, to join the Red Hot Summer Tour 2026, to share the stage with old friends and new, and play those songs again, for all those who want to hear them!”

Formed in Perth in the early 2000’s, Birds of Tokyo  have grown from independent roots to become one of Australia’s most popular contemporary rock bands.

Since their 2008 breakthrough Universes, all five of the group’s albums have reached the ARIA top 3 including two #1 hits: March Fires (2013) and Human Design (2021). Classic songs like “Good Lord”, “Plans”, “Lanterns”, “Two Of Us”, “Brace” and “Unbreakable” have all been top 10 airplay hits and more than seventy of their tracks have featured on Triple J, making them one of the National Youth Broadcaster’s three most played artists of this millennium. The band has also won the APRA Award for “Most Performed Rock/Alternative Work” on a record setting six separate occasions.

Epic live shows have always been at the core of their appeal. Birds Of Tokyo have played major festivals from Splendour In The Grass & Falls to Red Hot Summer and they have appeared as special guests for superstars like Muse, Midnight Oil, Cold Chisel, Incubus and Bon Jovi.  In recent years the band has toured across Australia with the country’s most prestigious Symphony Orchestras drawing unanimous critical acclaim and selling out three nights each at the Sydney Opera House and Melbourne’s Hamer Hall.

Vika & Linda are two of Australia’s most celebrated and enduring voices who have captivated Australian audiences with their powerful harmonies and magnetic stage presence.  From their Tongan roots singing in church to global tours with The Black Sorrows, the sisters have released nine studio albums, topped charts, written an autobiography, and collaborated with legends like Paul Kelly and Kasey Chambers. Inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame and awarded the OAM for their service to music, Vika & Linda are revered for their genre-spanning versatility and soul-stirring performances. With enduring influence and boundless energy, they remain one of Australia’s most treasured and trailblazing vocal duos.

Their stunning new album, Where Do You Come From? is a record that marks the sisters’ emergence as powerful songwriters in their own right, it is the most personal and revealing body of work in their nearly four-decade career.  After a lifetime of lending their voices to the stories of others, this record marks a moment of stepping forward, the sisters telling their own story in full; a widescreen work that spans identity, ancestry, motherhood, ageing, grief, joy, and the grounding presence of water.

As Eskimo Joe enter their 29th year, there are no signs of slowing down.

With their latest single ‘Miracle Cure’ gaining huge radio support nation-wide and the band continuing to remain one of Australia’s favourite live bands, Eskimo Joe are still as vital as ever.

Their countless worldwide shows, 6 studio albums, 35 ARIA nominations for 8 wins and nearing 1 million records sold are among the plethora of achievements that the band continues to add to. Their songs have become staples of Australian radio, and their live performances, from packed festival stages to intimate theatre shows, continue to captivate audiences with their power, precision, and emotional honesty.

Three decades on, Eskimo Joe remain one of Australia’s most loved and enduring bands; a testament to the staying power of great songs, true friendship, and the undeniable magic of music.

These here are crazy times. But Boom Crash Opera is one band you can rely upon.

The producer of their debut album told them: “The most important thing a group can do is stay together. Keep it together and you can do anything you want.”

Boom Crash Opera took those words to heart, proudly becoming one of Australia’s most-loved bands, with 13 Top 50 singles and five Top 50 albums. As founding member Peter Farnan says, “We sounded like our name.” It’s an intoxicating mix of indie pop and stadium rock, with unforgettable hits such as ‘Great Wall’, ‘Hands Up In The Air’, ‘City Flat’, ‘Onion Skin’ ‘Get Out Of The House’, ‘The Best Thing’ and ‘Dancing In The Storm’.  Nearly four decades after the band began, the start of ‘Onion Skin’ remains an irresistible rallying cry: Keep it in! Cut it out! Kick it out!

With a magnetic stage presence, dynamic vocals and unmistakable offbeat charm, Ella Hooper is one of Australia’s most beloved — and delightfully unpredictable — performers.  As frontwoman of rock phenomenon Killing Heidi, Ella became the first woman and youngest-ever recipient of APRA’s Songwriter of the Year award and has a swag of ARIA Awards to her name. A full-spectrum entertainer, she’s also a familiar face on Australian TV and radio, proving her mettle on shows like Spicks & Specks and RocKwiz. Now firmly in her solo era, Ella is embracing a rich country/Americana sound infused with heart, humour and a distinctly regional flavour. Ella Hooper is a captivating live performer not to be missed.

RED HOT SUMMER TOUR DATES 2026:
– Saturday 17th October: Queens Park, Toowoomba QLD
– Sunday 18th October: Sandstone Point Hotel, Sandstone Point QLD
– Saturday 24th October: Berry Showground, Berry NSW
– Sunday 25th October: Keirle Park, Manly NSW
– Saturday 31st October: Roche Estate, Hunter Valley NSW
– Sunday 1st November: Coolangatta Beach, Coolangatta QLD
– Saturday 7th November: Victoria Park, Ballarat VIC
– Sunday 8th November: Mornington Racecourse, Mornington VIC
– Saturday 14th November: Sandalford Wines, Swan Valley WA
– Sunday 15th November: Glenelg Beach, Glenelg SA

The Community Broadcasting Association of Australia (CBAA) and Gadigal Information Service / Koori Radio (GIS) announced the release of First Sounds Volume 14, a national music compilation featuring new music from First Nations artists across Australia.

Available as a digital release and curated CD for community broadcasters, the compilation includes songs that share unique and universal stories from artists across various regions including Mparntwe (Alice Springs), Far North Queensland, the Kimberley, New South Wales, and Victoria.

Featured artists include Alice Kings, Djawarray, Ngali Shaw (2KTRILLA), Faith Kayrooz, Millie Mills, Charlie Needs Braces, and Kayps, representing a diverse range of genres such as hip hop, country, folk, reggae, soul, R&B, cinematic soundscapes, and experimental pop.

The compilation highlights the talent emerging from First Nations communities and the role community radio plays in supporting these artists. Each track provides a perspective and personal story, addressing themes of culture, resilience, identity, and connection to Country.

Notable tracks include:
1. Rainfall – MINTY (Location: Wiradjuri / Orange)
2. Kurrigoyung – Charlie Needs Braces (Location: Naarm / Melbourne)
3. Little Old Me – Millie Mils (Location: Wiradjuri / Wellington)
4. Johnny – Faith Kayrooz (Location: Meanjin / Brisbane)
5. Maybe – Rob Edwards (Location: Western Arrernte / Ngarrindjeri / Fleurieu Peninsula)
6. Lost In Space – Now Sounds MidWest (Location: Yamatji / Geraldton / Mullewa)
7. Together Alone – Kayps & Calvin Bennett (Location: Borloo / Perth)
8. Seed of Shame – Banda (Location: Magandjin/ Brisbane)
9. Mission Girl – Lamonay (Location: Dharawal / Wollongong)
10. Boldly Ahead – NIDALA (Location: Djugun / Jabirr-Jabirr / The Kimberley)
11. Wulman Wulman – Djawarray (Location: Gimuy / Cairns)
12. Overthinking – Crooked TP (Location: Mutthi Mutthi / Yorta Yorta)
13. Waganah – 2KTRILLA (Location: Wiradjuri / Dubbo)
14. Missed Out On Love (Acoustic Version) – Garret Lyon (Location: Darumbal / Wulli-Wulli)
15. I Ain’t Gammon Bruz – Alice Kings (Location: Mparntwe / Alice Springs)

The project has been supported by the Australian Government through Music Australia and Creative Australia.