Fresh from his award-winning, powerhouse performance as Jesus in the critically acclaimed Australian production of Jesus Christ Superstar, and recently announced to play the legendary John Farnham in the world-premiere musical Whispering Jack, one of Australia’s finest voices is coming to the live stage.

 Michael Paynter strips back the layers and the volume for an exclusive run of intimate solo shows. The Great Australian Songbook Tour sees the singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist reimagining the nation’s most iconic anthems in a series of special, close-quarters settings across the country.

Known the world over as a true "singer's singer”, Paynter is also one of Australia's most successful songwriters and music producers. He has spent the last two decades collaborating with the giants of the industry, some of whose songs he will be celebrating on the Great Australian Songbook Tour 2026. 

It’s so great to see a singer who not only sings beautifully but every time he does sing, it becomes a joyous occasion for everyone in the audience.
- Jimmy Barnes

Quite simply the voice of our generation. Michael Paynter is untouchable
- The Veronicas

I’ve spent 15 years watching audiences be captivated by Michael’s voice, and this extraordinary show will be no exception. These iconic songs couldn’t be in safer hands.
- Iva Davies

 

In 2022, he received the ARIA Award for Best Country Album with Casey Barnes’ LP Light It Up, which he co-wrote and produced, and is also a 2 x Golden Guitar winner and multiple nominee recipient. Having toured, produced and written with Australian music royalty, including John Farnham, Tina Arena, Delta Goodrem, Casey Barnes, James Johnston, Kaylee Bell, Taylor Moss and Icehouse, audiences can expect to hear personal tales about working alongside the greats, woven between stripped-back hits with his trademark soaring vocals.