“When you see him playing you think ‘Oh my god, he’s doing that all by himself’.” – Eric Idle, Monty Python
“Imagine Chet Atkins with the testosterone of Eddie Van Halen…” – Steve Vai
Australia’s world acclaimed acoustic guitar icon Tommy Emmanuel CGP returns home this September, for an increasingly rare capital city tour. Tommy brings the power and dynamism of a full band to his solo acoustic playing, with incredible charisma, stunning speed and dexterity and unerring command of melody.
Tom’s message is pure love for the guitar and the music and his delight in sharing it with the world, one audience at a time. Tommy’s greatest honour was being named by his childhood idol Chet Atkins as a ‘Certified Guitar Player’ (CGP). The legendary US guitarist and producer Atkins gave this designation to only five players in history.
For the first time ever in Australia, two CGPs will perform on the same bill, as Tommy is joined by special guest Steve Wariner CGP, direct from Nashville. An acclaimed hit songwriter and world-renowned finger style guitarist, Steve will open all shows – and he and Tommy may even team up for some very special surprises.
Tickets are sure to sell fast as Aussie fans race to secure their chance to see one of the world’s most in-demand musicians. His trips down under are becoming less frequent, as Tommy’s already massive international fan-base continues to grow, requiring him to tour a vast number of countries around the world.
In a career that has spanned over five decades, Tommy Emmanuel has become one of the most respected and acclaimed musicians on the planet. Alongside his rare CGP honour Tommy has received a huge variety of accolades, including two Grammy Award nominations, two Golden Guitar awards and being twice voted Best Acoustic Guitarist by US Guitar Player Magazine.
Additionally, in 2010 he added AM to his name after CGP, when he was appointed a Member of Order of Australia for services to music.
Tommy’s new album LIVE! AT THE RYMAN will be released on May 19th through Sony Music Entertainment Australia.
TOUR DATES
Tuesday 3rd October | Brisbane QPAC Concert Hall
Saturday 30th September | Sydney Opera House Concert Hall
Thursday 28th September | Arts Centre Melbourne Hamer Hall
Tuesday 26th September | Perth Concert Hall
Tickets go on sale from 9am, Monday 22nd May, 2017
