After reminding fans and media nationwide why they fell in love with his songs and on-stage antics during his widely successful Awake Is The New Sleep 20th Anniversary Tour, Ben Lee is heading back to regional Australia in 2026, with Gunnedah set to host the ARIA Award-winning artist for the very first time.
Lee will perform at The Civic on Thursday 26 March as part of an extensive regional run that will see him visit dozens of centres across the country – but Gunnedah is the only confirmed date in the New England so far.
Best known for early 2000s hits including Catch My Disease and We’re All In This Together, Lee became one of Australia’s most recognisable indie-pop voices during a golden era of homegrown music. His breakthrough album Awake Is The New Sleep won multiple ARIA Awards and remains a defining soundtrack for many Australian music lovers.
But while anniversaries offer a chance for reflection, Lee says the real magic happens on the road.
“Being out on the road just for the sake of it is what it’s all about,” Lee says.
“Anniversaries are nice, but the road is where it happens. Night after night, sweaty, a little chaotic, unpredictable. Hand to hand combat.” He winks.
“See you out on the road!”
Supporting Lee in Gunnedah will be Sydney-raised singer-songwriter Mark Crotti, who began his career busking on the streets of Sydney before touring extensively along Australia’s east coast . Crotti has supported artists including Mark Wilkinson, Ash Grunwald and Bobby Alu, building a reputation for honest songwriting and humour that has become an integral part of his live shows.
Gunnedah Conservatorium Director Rebecca Ryan said the team is thrilled to welcome Lee and Crotti to the region.
“It’s incredibly exciting to host an artist of Ben Lee’s calibre, particularly for his first performance in Gunnedah. We’re proud to continue bringing nationally recognised artists to our community.”
The performance will begin at 6.30pm on March 26, with tickets priced at $55 including GST available from www.gunnedahconservatorium.com.au or phone the office 6742 3998. Discover NSW vouchers will be accepted.
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