Now an icon of Australian music, acclaimed singer-songwriter Bernard Fanning will celebrate the 20th anniversary of his debut solo album, 'Tea & Sympathy', with a one-night-only performance in Brisbane.
Originally released on 31 October, 2005, 20 years to that date, Fanning will grace the stage at Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) to perform 'Tea & Sympathy' in full, honouring the album's tracklisting live for the very first time.
Joining Bernard as special guest for the evening is rising star Jem Cassar-Daley, whose soulful voice and heartfelt songwriting continues to win over audiences. Fans can also expect some other surprise special guests to join the party on the night.
"I'm so proud to celebrate this record," Bernard says. "I really had no expectations for it to be anything but a little side project to keep me busy while Powderfinger was on a break.
"Although the breakout song 'Wish You Well' has an optimistic facade, the overall sentiment of heartbreak and the simplicity of the instrumentation really struck a chord with people.
"The songs came from such a raw and honest place, so I guess that's why. A whistleable melody and a bit of toe-tappin' never hurt anybody either."
A record that would debut at #1 on the ARIA Albums Chart and went on to collect three ARIA Awards, including the prestigious Album Of The Year, 'Tea & Sympathy' would also garner Fanning APRA's Songwriter Of The Year Award in 2006.
'Wish You Well' would go on to top triple j's Hottest 100 in 2005. Alongside that song, 'Tea & Sympathy' also houses such songwriting gems like 'Songbird', 'Watch Over Me' and 'Thrill Is Gone'.
The upcoming Brisbane concert also offers Fanning live performance symmetry, with the 'Tea & Sympathy' album launch also staged at QPAC. "It's a full-circle moment to return to QPAC with some surprise guests on 31 October, where I played on the original 'Tea & Sympathy' tour. Come and sing along with us and help support Youngcare."
The show will highlight Bernard's ongoing support for Youngcare, who are also celebrating their 20th anniversary.
A not-for-profit organisation creating choice and independence for young people with high physical support needs, Fanning, who has been a long-time ambassador, hopes the concert will raise awareness and funds for Youngcare's vital work, with a portion of proceeds from the night going directly to the organisation.
For Fanning fans, the news is packaged with special anniversary editions of 'Tea & Sympathy' that will be released on both vinyl and CD on 31 October, 2025, and are available to pre-order.
The reissues will include updated artwork and rare archival content. The double vinyl release will include special renditions, giving fans a unique way to revisit or discover the album two decades on.
"There's a whole other record's worth of songs here that go with the original album," Bernard shares. "Some outtakes, demos and fabulous covers of my tunes by other artists. In a world that is so filled with disruption, cold violence and complexity, it feels right to get back to some home spun simplicity and warmth."
Tickets on sale from 9am AEST on 15 August.
Bernard Fanning's 20th Anniversary 'Tea & Sympathy' concert takes place at QPAC (Brisbane) on 31 October.
