Bernard Fanning Plots One-Off 'Tea & Sympathy' 20th Anniversary Celebration

20 years to the day since it was released, Aussie music legend Bernard Fanning will be celebrating the anniversary of his debut solo album with a special one-off show.

Taking to the stage at the QPAC Concert Hall in Brisbane on Friday, October 31st, Fanning will be performing his Tea & Sympathy record in full.

Released on October 31st, 2005, the album arrived during a brief hiatus from Powderfinger, with the solo effort going so far as to top the Aussie charts, and nabbed three ARIA Awards and an APRA Award. Spawning cuts like Songbird and Watch Over Me, lead single Wish You Well was a massive hit, even topping the triple j Hottest 100 for that year.

Now, after 20 years, Fanning will revisiting many of these tracks for the first time. The night will also feature a raft of “surprise guests” joining Fanning, while rising star Jem Cassar-Daley will open the evening.

“I’m so proud to celebrate this record,” Fanning explained. “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.” he added.

“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.”

As Fanning mentioned, the night will also be an opportunity to spotlight Youngcare, a not-for-profit organisation creating choice and independence for young people with high physical support needs, for which he’s been a longtime ambassador. A portion of the proceeds from the night will go directly to the organisation.

“Bernard Fanning’s advocacy for Youngcare has been instrumental to our success over the past 20 years,” says Youngcare CEO Clare Stewart. “From the very beginning when our four founders came together, Bernard’s support has been unwavering. His connection to our mission has always been strong, and it’s incredibly special to see that connection reflected once again as he supports Youngcare’s 20th Anniversary through the celebration of his own album’s 20-year milestone.

“What a beautiful coincidence! Our mission can live on when people like Bernard use their platform to advocate for young people with physical disabilities and provide a voice for individuals who often struggle to have their own heard.”

Alongside the forthcoming concert, Fanning will also be issuing special anniversary editions of Tea & Sympathy, with a double vinyl release featuring a number of bonus cuts and special renditions that will underline and highlight the importance of the album and its tracks.

“There’s a whole other record’s worth of songs here that go with the original album,” Fanning explains. “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.”

Tickets to Fanning’s upcoming concert are on sale from 9am on Friday, August 15th, while pre-orders for the 20th anniversary of Tea & Sympathy are available now.

Bernard Fanning Celebrating Tea & Sympathy – 20th Anniversary

With Jem Cassar-Daley

Friday, October 31st – QPAC Concert Hall, Brisbane, QLD