Rufus Wainwright

The incomparable Rufus Wainwright, one of the musical world's true original contemporary artists, is returning for an Australian full band tour in September 2012, taking in most capital cities following the release of his acclaimed new Mark Ronson-produced album, 'Out of the Game'.

But his adoring Australian audiences are in for an extra treat - joining Rufus on stage as part of his band include his friends: gifted folk-jazz-soul singer and songwriter Krystle Warren - who recently completed an Australian solo tour with great panache, following her appearance here last November for "Way to Blue: The Songs of Nick Drake."  Joining Krystle in the Rufus Wainwright band is Teddy Thompson, the rich-voiced and much-loved songwriter, son of the great British musical pairing of Richard and Linda Thompson.  Both Krystle and Teddy will also be alternating as the opening act for the national run of dates.

For this Australian tour, Rufus looks forward to recreating the studio experience live on stage. Make sure you see Rufus Wainwright on this exciting Australian run of dates -- and find out, or rediscover, why Rufus has been affectionately referred to by Elton John as "the greatest songwriter on the planet" and praised by The New York Times for his "genuine originality."

Acclaimed Australian songstress, Megan Washington, has been confirmed to hit the road with Rufus Wainwright for his forthcoming national tour in September.

Megan Washington

Last month at the The Nine Network’s one-off charity concert special, Voices Reaching Out, Megan’s stunning interpretation of Sometimes You Need, from Wainwright’s latest album Out Of The Game, roused a staggering response from the audience. Before long, the call was made to her management to invite her to open for Rufus Wainwright's Australian shows.

The 2-time ARIA Award winner, Platinum album seller and APRA Breakthrough Songwriter is also the inaugural Vanda & Young Songwriter of The Year and recipient of numerous other industry accolades. The full depth and breadth of Washington’s talent however was best signified in the release of the critically acclaimed ‘Insomnia’ EP and associated live show. Where most artists would have pursued obvious commercial routes, ‘Insomnia’ presented a darker, more intimate side to Megan’s writing. Comfortable as a mentor on The Voice, as she is performing songs from ‘Insomnia’ with members of the ACO – Washington is the real deal.

Having sold out her own show at the Sydney Opera House as part of the Sydney Festival earlier this year, the addition of Washington to the bill is a surprise for Rufus fans who’ve already purchased tickets and presents a show that music fans can’t refuse. These shows are the only chance to see Washington live this year, just before she heads to Europe for a handful of shows and then to record in the UK.

The invitation to join the tour was warmly received by Washington’s camp as she is openly one of Wainwright’s biggest fans. “I'm quite comfortable preaching that Rufus Wainwright's songwriting inspired me to begin writing my own songs. I was 19, studying composition at the Queensland Conservatorium, and I heard Poses. The freedom and history on his writing made me reconsider my role as an interpreter, and therefore embark on a journey into a creator. He is the sole reason I began to write songs, and remains one of my greatest inspirations.”