After two decades of crafting soul-stirring songs and touring the country, Pete Murray is finally making his long-awaited debut at the Airlie Beach Festival of Music this November – and he's doing it with his full band in tow.
"I love Airlie Beach," Murray says. "I remember being up there one time, I must've been playing a show, and someone mentioned the festival to me. I said to my management, 'keep an eye out for this when it comes up again', So it came up – and here we are."Scheduled for 7-9 November, 2025, this year's festival boasts an all-Aussie line-up stacked with big names like Jessica Mauboy, The Screaming Jets, Diesel, Tex Perkins and The Black Sorrows. For Murray, it marks a return to the kind of dynamic, high-energy live performance that has earned him a loyal following over the years.
While he's currently midway through a massive 55-date solo acoustic tour – his first such tour in Australia – the Airlie Beach set will be something else entirely. "That'll be the full band up there for that show," he confirms.
"Two very different kinds of gigs. The solo shows are intimate; I'm talking a lot, telling stories about my life, my songs, how they came to be; but with the band, it's all energy. People are always surprised when they see us live. There's a lot of power in those songs onstage."
It's a dynamic that's especially welcome at a festival like Airlie Beach, which draws a passionate, beachside crowd. "If anyone's seen us live, they know. It's not just mellow acoustic vibes – it's dynamic.
"The songs come alive differently with the band; and the best compliment we get? People say we sound even better live than on the album. That's what you want."
Murray is no stranger to North Queensland crowds, having built a strong fanbase across the region over the years. Pete recalls the time he crowd-surfed during one of his gigs, which only happened in North Queensland.
"Townsville's the only place I've ever done that," he laughs. "The crowd was just going off that night. So, the challenge is on for Airlie Beach now."
Despite his roots in Byron Bay, Murray's regional shows have become an essential part of his connection to Australian audiences. "You've got to give places time," he says. "If you go every year, people might say, 'Oh, we saw him last year, let's go see someone else'. But when you space it out, people get excited again."
That same philosophy has driven his current acoustic run, which has seen him play everywhere from Swan Hill to Sale to outback towns he's never visited before. "Those shows have been incredible. People are singing along to songs I didn't even know they knew. It just shows how far the music has travelled over the years."
Even as he reflects on 20-plus years in the business, Murray shows no signs of slowing down. His latest single, 'I Am Fire' inspired by everyday acts of courage and set to a powerful video montage, is part of a new body of work that showcases his continued growth as a songwriter and producer. "This song is really appropriate for the times we live in," he says. "I feel great about it."
[Ed's note: Last week, Pete released another new song 'Home To Me': "Wrote this one thinking about the people and places that make life feel like home #HomeToMe."]
When he hits the stage at Airlie Beach, it'll be all about connection and celebration. "The main thing for me is that people feel like they're part of the show," Murray says. "I want them singing, dancing, walking away buzzing and going, 'that was amazing. I'd see that guy again.' That's the goal every time."
Airlie Beach Festival Of Music 2025 is on at venues across Airlie Beach 7-9 November.
Airlie Beach Festival Of Music 2025 Second Line-Up Acts
Pete MurrayTex Perkins
Matt Walker
David Flower
The Natural Culture
Matty Rogers
Tanya George
Dallas Steele
Kieran McCarthy
Zed Charles
Jolly Jingo
Bear Brewer
Jackson Dunn
Darren Griffis & The Jukejoint
Katie Richards Band
Lucy Gallant
The Gathering
Trilla
Tim Griffin
Karl S Williams & Sally Wiggins
The Humbuckin' Pickups
The Whiskeys
Is Man Kind
Rollercam
Viva Band
Sam McCann
Corey Legge
The Swine Club
Tammy Moxon
Sam Maddison
Matt Black
Tim Johnson
Rebelquin
Simon Briley
Scotty Wilson
Josiah Samuel
Tiffany Grace
Dave Helgi Johan
Off Tap
Airlie Beach Festival Of Music 2025 First Acts
Jessica MauboyThe Screaming Jets
Diesel
The Black Sorrows
Choirboys
Bachelor Girl
Lloyd Spiegel
Jayne Denham
Hillbilly Goats
James Bennett
Andy Penkow
Bo’Ness Brothers
Matt Angell
Piper Butcher
Tom Neilson
