One of Australia’s most celebrated singer-songwriters, Bernard Fanning, will mark a major milestone with a one-night-only performance at Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) on Friday 31 October, celebrating 20 years since the release of his critically acclaimed debut solo album, Tea & Sympathy.
Originally released on 31 October 2005, Tea & Sympathy debuted at No. 1 on the ARIA Albums Chart and went on to collect three ARIA Awards, including the prestigious Album of the Year, and garnered Fanning APRA’s Songwriter of the Year Award in 2006. Featuring tracks like, Wish You Well which topped the triple j Hottest 100 in 2005, as well as Songbird, Watch Over Me and Thrill is Gone, the album showcased Fanning’s lyrical depth and emotional range, establishing him as a powerhouse solo artist alongside the success of Powderfinger.
In a fitting tribute to the album’s enduring legacy, Fanning will perform Tea & Sympathy in full for the first time in twenty years.
Joining him as special guest for the evening is rising star Jem Cassar-Daley, whose soulful voice and heartfelt songwriting continue to win over audiences across the country. Fans can also expect some other surprise special guests to join the party on the night.
The show will also 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 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.
Bernard said, “I’m so proud to celebrate this record. 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.
“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.”
To coincide with the concert, special anniversary editions of Tea & Sympathy will be released on both vinyl and CD on 31 October 2025 and are available to pre-order now. 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.
Bernard said, “There’s a whole other record’s worth of songs here that go with the original album. 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.”
All formats of the 20th Anniversary Tea & Sympathy will be released through Universal Music Australia on 31 October 2025 and are available now to pre-order.
Artist and QPAC pre-sales kick off at 9am AEST on Thursday, 14 August. This event is part of the QPAC 40 program, celebrating 40 years of joy, inclusion, gathering and stories.
Tickets to the show will go on sale to the general public at 9am AEST on Friday, 15 August 2025 from QPAC. For full details go to bernardfanning.com.
