Rachel Costanzo

Fresh from a stirring starring turn as Jesus in Jesus Christ Superstar, acclaimed Australian vocalist Michael Paynter is stripping back the theatrics and volume for a deeply personal new tour. Dubbed the Great Australian Songbook Tour 2026, the run promises intimate performances that re-imagine the nation's most iconic songs with just guitar and piano, alongside a few surprise special guests drawn from Paynter's long career in music.

Icehouse will return to Sydney’s Coliseum Theatre in August for their second performance.

Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s rock opera classic ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ first rpremiered as a studio album in 1970 and first staged on Broadway in New York in 1971. The show has rarely been out of production somewhere in the world in the past 54 years. For 2025, its Australia’s turn again for yet another run of the Webber/Rice masterpiece with excellent casting and upgraded stage sets and costume designs.

Michael Paynter, who since 2011 has been doing time with Icehouse, has been brewing a supergroup on the side.

Icehouse had a slight setlist adjustment when they played Perth on Saturday minus Michael Paynter. Michael tested positive for Covid and was unable to travel to Perth for the show.

Michael Paynter has announced the release of a new album titled ‘Weary Stars' with the title track serving as first single.

Icehouse announce two club shows with special guest Michael Paynter joining the band on stage.