AUSTRALIAN country music legend Lee Kernaghan is set to light up Western Sydney when he performs at The Coliseum, Rooty Hill on November 8.

With more than two million album sales, a string of ARIAs, APRAs, an Order of Australia Medal, Australian of the Year, and almost as many Golden Guitars as Slim Dusty, Lee Kernaghan has cemented himself as one of the nation’s most celebrated singer-songwriters. What a great Australian!
I had the privilege of speaking with Lee this week about his current tour.

“It’s three decades of songs that have become the soundtrack to a lot of people’s lives,” Lee said of his tour. “It is a spectacular show, but it is
also a celebration of Australian music and who we are as a country and people.”

Lee’s shows attract fans spanning multiple generations; those who grew up with his music, as well as their kids and grandkids. “It’s a lot of fun to be able to do what I do,” he said.

The star’s love affair with music began young. He first picked up a guitar at nine, added piano soon after, and by 12 was writing songs. “I liked poetry, and I was able to put music I learned to some of the lyrics – and then I discovered, oh that’s a song!”

Music was always close to home, growing up in a musical family. 

“I grew up listening to Slim Dusty Live at Wagga Wagga on repeat,” Lee said. 

I asked Lee, “Did nine-year-old Lee ever dream of achieving all that you have?” 

“Never in a million years! I never thought I’d be a recording artist and touring Australia. It took me by surprise,” he laughed. “When I left school, I realised I wasn’t qualified to do anything else, so that’s how I became a musician.”

A turning point came at age 27, when songwriting partner Garth Porter pushed him to embrace his roots.

“Garth said, ‘You’re from the Riverina, you’re a boy from the bush. Your Dad is a truck driver, your Mum is a dairy farmer’s daughter and your Grandfather is a drover — start writing songs about that!’” Lee recalled.

From there, Boys from the Bush was born, becoming one of his most enduring crowd favourites. “The Outback Club is alive and kicking!” Lee said.

Fans can expect to hear that anthem, along with a setlist packed with hits that have defined Australian country music for more than 30 years.

Don’t miss Lee Kernaghan at The Coliseum, Rooty Hill on November 8. Tickets are available now through Ticketek.