NEWS

Eric Hutchinson Returns to Australia for First Headline Tour Since 2009

Eric Hutchinson is finally making his way back to Australia after a 16 year absence, with three East Coast theater dates locked in for November. The shows will also mark his first headline tour across the country. The short run will begin at Brisbane's Lefty's Music Hall on Nov. 19 before heading to Melbourne's Northcote Social Club on Nov. 20. It wraps up in Sydney with a performance at The Lansdowne on Nov. 21. Hutchinson's connection with Australia has always been a unique one. His breakthrough in the country came after his song "Rock & Roll" was featured on the Australian drama Packed to the Rafters, helping the track earn platinum certification and climb to No. 1 in 2009. He previously visited Australia as a support act for Jason Mraz and Kelly Clarkson during tours in 2008 and 2009, but he never had the chance to return with a headline show of his own. "I honestly have no idea why I never came back to Australia, other than the fact that it's super far away from New York City, where I live," he said in a statement, adding that the timing finally aligned after years of fan requests. Back in the United States, the success of "Rock & Roll" followed a different path. The song became Hutchinson's first gold certified single in the country, although it did not enter the Hot 100. The album Sounds Like This originally found its audience as an independent release after a Perez Hilton endorsement helped it climb to No. 5 on the iTunes Store in September 2007. It later debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Heatseekers chart before receiving a broader release through Warner Bros. Records in May 2008. Since then, Hutchinson has continued putting out new albums while growing a loyal fanbase through consistent touring. The Australian dates are in support of Hutchinson's latest album, the 2026 release Repeating Myself, which has been described as a return to the piano driven pop and soul style that first introduced him to many listeners. Fans can also expect to hear familiar favorites including "Rock & Roll," "OK, It's Alright With Me" and "A Little More." Marshall Hamburger, winner of the tenth season of Australian Idol in 2025, has been announced as the opening act for all three shows. Eric Hutchinson Australian Tour Presented by Teamwrk Touring & MRG Live Thursday, Nov. 19 — Lefty's Music Hall, Brisbane Friday, Nov. 20 — Northcote Social Club, Melbourne Saturday, Nov. 21 — The Lansdowne, Sydney