^{Cover Image: Michael Paynter brings his The Great Australian Songbook national tour to Perth’s Astor Theatre. Image supplied.}

Leanne Casellas spoke to Michael from his Mornington Peninsula studio 

On June 3, when Michael Paynter brings his The Great Australian Songbook national tour to Perth’s Astor Theatre, audiences can expect not just a concert, but a deeply felt celebration of the songs, stories and spirit of Australian music. 

All this from the man who has been fittingly cast in the lead role as John Farnham in the biographical musical Whispering Jack scheduled to open in Sydney this November. 

Over more than two decades, the talented vocalist and multi-instrumentalist has quietly built one of the most respected careers in the industry; as a performer, songwriter, producer, musical director, session muso, vocal coach and collaborator with some of the biggest names in the business: Aloe Blacc, Jimmy Barnes, Kaylee Bell, Cooper Alan, Casey Barnes, James Johnston, TKay Maidza, Tina Arena and Mason Ramsey, to name a few. Collaborations that have racked up awards and accolades. This current chapter feels different, though: it’s more personal. It’s joyful and driven by a genuine love of what he does. 

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“Songs leave an impression on you,” he says. “They become part of your life story.” That connection is palpable on stage, where storytelling and song seamlessly intertwine. 

And then there’s the voice. Anyone who witnessed his breathtaking rendition of Sia’s Chandelier earlier this year in Perth knows exactly what that means. It was a fearless, full-throttle vocal performance that left audiences stunned. 

“I love to give the audience an experience,” he says simply. “Give them a show.”  

That ethos runs through everything he does. Whether he’s delivering a soaring John Farnham classic or channelling the emotional pull of Cold Chisel’s Flame Trees, Paynter approaches each song with reverence. 

Offstage, his life is just as full. A father of three, splitting time between Australia and Nashville, and continuing to work with icons like Jimmy Barnes and ICEHOUSE, Paynter thrives on movement and variety. 

“I’m a high-energy person,” he says. “I get bored easily; I like to keep things new and interesting.” 

His gratitude for his current success resonates: “I’m blown away by the love,” he says of the current tour, many dates of which have already sold out. 

And Perth is in for something special. Paynter hints at a surprise guest flying in just for the Astor show, a fitting addition to what promises to be an unforgettable night. 

Ultimately, The Great Australian Songbook is more than a tribute – it’s a living, breathing reminder of the power of music to connect us. And in Michael Paynter’s hands, those songs don’t just endure, they soar. They really do. 

The Great Australian Songbook at the Astor Theatre on 3 June 2026.