Bernard Fanning Announces 20th Anniversary ‘Tea & Sympathy’ Reissue + Show

After dominating triple j‘s recent, historic Hottest 100 of Australian Songs with four entries across both his solo and Powderfinger catalogues, Bernard Fanning is already in celebration mode, and now he’s got a brand new reason to cheer – his iconic LP Tea & Sympathy is turning 20.

To mark the occasion, he’s taking a stroll down memory lane – and inviting us all along for the ride – to celebrate two decades years since his landmark debut solo album landed.

Bernard Fanning – ‘Wish You Well’

On Friday, 31st October, the Powderfinger frontman-turned-solo-star will return to Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) for a one-night-only performance, playing the album in full (!!!) for the very first time since its release. Joining him for the occasion will be rising singer-songwriter Jem Cassar-Daley, plus some yet-to-be-revealed special guests.

Originally released on Halloween 2005, Tea & Sympathy debuted at #1 on the ARIA Albums Chart, went triple platinum, scooped up three ARIA Awards (including Album of the Year) and nabbed Fanning the APRA Songwriter of the Year title in 2006. It spawned huge singles like ‘Wish You Well’ – which topped the triple j Hottest 100 that year and was only just voted into the Hottest 100 of Australian Songs at #57 – as well as ‘Songbird’, ‘Watch Over Me’ and ‘Thrill Is Gone’, cementing Fanning as a solo powerhouse alongside his Powderfinger success.

The show will also mark the 20th anniversary of Youngcare, the not-for-profit organisation that Fanning has supported for years, with a portion of proceeds going directly to their work creating independence for young people with high physical support needs.

“I’m so proud to celebrate this record,” Fanning says in a press statement. “Although ‘Wish You Well’ has an optimistic façade, the overall sentiment of heartbreak and the simplicity of the instrumentation really struck a chord with people… It’s a full circle moment to return to QPAC with some surprise guests, where I played on the original Tea & Sympathy tour.”

To coincide with the concert, a 20th anniversary reissue of the album will drop on vinyl and CD the same day, featuring updated artwork, rare archival content, outtakes, demos, and covers of Fanning’s songs by other artists.

The double-vinyl edition will also include special renditions for fans to revisit (or discover) the record, two decades on.

You can pre-order here, or find out how to grab tickets to Fanning’s one night only Tea & Sympathy show down below.

Bernard Fanning – Tea & Sympathy For One Night Only

With Jem Cassar-Daley and special guests

• Friday, 31st October – Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC), South Brisbane, QLD

Artist and QPAC pre-sales kick off at 9am AEST on Thursday, 14th August

Tickets on sale to the general public at 9.00am AEST on Friday, 15th August via QPAC

Further Reading

triple j’s Hottest 100 Of Australian Songs: The Complete List

All The Winners At The 2024 ARIA Awards – Troye Sivan And Royel Otis Take Out Top Gongs

A New Project From Paul Dempsey And Bernard Fanning Is Coming