-By Kim Parnell-
2024 was a massive year for country music legend Lee Kernaghan, with The Boys From The Bush – The Concert tour captivating audiences across the country. Now, he’s back for round two, this time hitting the towns he missed, including a highly anticipated stop at the Brolga Theatre and Convention Centre in Maryborough this June, marking the end of an era for one of Australia’s most iconic tours.
With a staggering forty #1 hits, 38 Golden Guitars, and over 2.5 million albums sold, Lee’s music isn’t just popular—it’s part of the Australian way of life.
“It’s incredible to tour this beautiful country,” Lee says. “The people, the places—they’re the heart of my music. Without the Outback Club legends, there would be no songs.”
These final shows will be an amazing send-off for what Lee says has been an incredible tour. From classic hits like She’s My Ute, Hat Town, and The Outback Club, to more recent anthems such as Spirit of the ANZACS, Backroad Nation, and Flying with the King.
Joining Lee on tour are some incredible special guests. Matt Cornell, a four-time Golden Guitar nominee, and Tory Dark, who lit up our television screens on The Voice in 2024, each bring their flair and energy to the tour.
Also stepping back into the spotlight is Lee’s wife, Robby. Not only has she recorded several hits with him, but she’s also been an integral part of his recording and touring life. “Robby’s been my world since we met back in 1997,” Lee says fondly.
Lee’s latest single, Country Is Coming To Town, is a high-energy collaboration with The Wolfe Brothers—and the music video is just as electric. “I first saw The Wolfe Brothers years ago on Australia’s Got Talent,” Lee recalls. “I was so impressed, that I offered them a spot on my tour. They quit their day jobs and hit the road with me—and we’ve been mates ever since.”
Over the past decade, Lee and The Wolfe Brothers have shared stages across the country, producing hits like Till It Ends and Damn Good Mates. So, when Nick and Tom invited him to collaborate on Country Is Coming To Town, Lee didn’t hesitate: “You got me, boys.”
At the recent Countrytown Awards, Lee was nominated for three major categories, but one of the most memorable moments was presenting the prestigious Legend Award to John Williamson.
“It was an absolute honour,” Lee shared. “John’s songs—Galleries of Pink Galahs, Raining on the Rock, True Blue—are classic Aussie anthems. They’re woven into the fabric of our culture. John was really touched to receive this accolade, and it was so well deserved.”
Also, fuelling the excitement, fans can now watch Boy From The Bush, Lee’s powerful documentary produced by Universal Pictures, on free-to-air TV, streaming platforms, or grab it on DVD. The film is a unique mix of road trips, concert footage, and behind-the-scenes storytelling, showcasing over 30 years of Lee’s journey. The documentary first premiered in more than two hundred cinemas across Australia.
“In the film, I revisit many of the ‘hat towns’ where we held our Pass the Hat Around fundraising concerts,” he explains. “Every dollar raised stayed in those towns—supporting local hospitals, emergency services, and schools. It was incredible to experience the true spirit of country Australia.”
Lee says that performing live is still the ultimate thrill. “Getting to do what I love—writing songs, performing, living the life of a musician—is the greatest high there is. There’s nothing like stepping on stage, singing about the country I love, and sharing that moment with an audience of legends. Nothing comes close.”
To Lee, his fans are more than just fans—they’re mates. “They’re the kind of people you’d want to grab a drink with down at the pub. They are family.”
As for the Maryborough show, Lee couldn’t be more excited. “It’s shaping up to be a huge one. People are travelling from far and wide. It’ll be like the annual general meeting of the Outback Club,” he laughs.
He also has an amusing memory from a past Maryborough gig that still makes him chuckle. “Back then, I was signing a lot of bras,” he grins. “But one night, a girl asked me to sign her breast—said she was going to get it tattooed! So, I signed it, nice and neat, and forgot all about the encounter.”
A couple of years later, Lee was watching Burke’s Backyard when a fan segment came on. “There she was,” he laughs, “showing off the tattoo of my signature—right there on national TV! I nearly fell off my chair!”
With a chuckle, he adds, “If the girl with the tattoo turns up to the Maryborough show—she won’t need a ticket. She’s got a free pass!”
Lee is also back in the studio, working on a brand-new album, and is thrilled about the relaunch of the iconic Lee Kernaghan Akubra Outback Club Hat. “Fans are going to want to get their hands on one of those. You can find the link on his webpage.”
Boys From The Bush ‘The Concert’ Tour
June 5
Brolga Theatre & Convention Centre
Maryborough
Tickets available via www.leekernaghan.com