EXCLUSIVE PHOTOS: Backstage In Bliss N Eso's Inner Sanctum

Bliss N Eso – one of Australia's best loved and celebrated hip hop acts – recently kicked off their Circus Under The Stars tour, a run of outdoor dates on a scale very rarely seen.

Presented by The Music, on Saturday the show visited Nobby's Beach Reserve in Newcastle, and theMusic.com.au photographer Cole Bennetts was given unimpeded access to shoot the band. (He even brought lights on stage during the soundcheck).

The gallery gives a remarkable look into the band as they signing merch and chat with fans pre-gig, deliver their soundcheck, get their portraits taking and – most importantly – work their guts out to win over the massive Newcastle crowd.

If there's one thing to take away from this collection, it's that there's barely a moment where the enthusiasm and vigour they're known for isn't present.

Touring with Seth Sentry, Horrorshow and American Ceekay Jones, they all pop up on more than one occasion as well.

There tour hits Sydney's Domain Thursday 17 April before visiting Brisbane, Cairns, Perth, Wagga Wagga, Bendigo, Melbourne and more on its way to Hobart Saturday 31 May.

Here's some choice shots from the gallery, click on any one of the images to see all of them. All pictures by Cole Bennetts.

Full gallery is here.