Australian guitar legend Tommy Emmanuel will mark his 70th birthday this year by doing what he loves most – performing for his Australian fans.
Currently based in Nashville, the Grammy and ARIA award-winning icon of acoustic guitar is set to return to his homeland for a headline tour in May. Emmanuel will perform in several major cities, including the Sydney Opera House, Newcastle’s CIVIC Theatre, Brisbane’s QPAC, Canberra Theatre Centre, Melbourne’s Hamer Hall, and Perth’s Riverside Theatre, with his final show at Adelaide’s Her Majesty’s Theatre on his 70th birthday.
“Performing and touring back home feels like a family reunion,” Emmanuel shares. “Australia is where I grew up, and while the rest of the world was my focus, I now cherish coming home and seeing my country through the eyes of a grateful man.”
On celebrating his milestone birthday in Adelaide, Emmanuel says age is just a number. “Turning 70 isn’t something I’ve thought much about, but I’m going to give it my all this year. I’m going all-out, no prisoners.”
Emmanuel is renowned for his mastery of the acoustic guitar, a title he earned when the legendary American musician Chet Atkins – also known as Mister Guitar – dubbed him a “Certified Guitar Player.” The two recorded together in 1997, releasing the album The Day Finger Pickers Took Over The World. Although Atkins passed away in 2001, Emmanuel still feels his presence on stage. “I can hear his voice saying, ‘Tune up, son. It bothers me,’” Emmanuel recalls during a break between shows in the US. “I believe Chet would be proud of where I am now, and he’d be amazed at how far I’ve come without a hit record.”
In addition to celebrating his 70th birthday, Emmanuel will promote his upcoming album Live at the Sydney Opera House, set for release on March 21, 2025, via CGP Sounds. Recorded during two sold-out performances at the Opera House in 2023, the album showcases decades of dedication to music and his deep connection with his audience. The setlist features some of Emmanuel’s most iconic songs, including Tall Fiddler, Mombasa, Country Wide, Fuel, Sail On, and his legendary arrangements of Classical Gas and the Beatles Medley.
The live album offers a preview of what fans can expect during the May tour, where Emmanuel will perform two captivating sets, blending the full-band energy with the power of his solo acoustic performances.
While Emmanuel boasts a Grammy Award, multiple ARIA Awards, and countless accolades, nothing holds more significance for him than the title C.G.P. – “Certified Guitar Player.” Bestowed by Chet Atkins, this honor signifies mastery of the instrument and the ability to inspire the next generation of guitarists.
As a songwriter and performer, Tommy Emmanuel draws from a wide range of musical influences, from pop and bluegrass to jazz and rock ‘n’ roll. The guitar is his life, and he continues to seek ways to improve his craft.
“I recently finished a guitar retreat with George Benson, Al Di Meola, Steve Lukather, John Scofield, Lee Ritenour, Andy Timmons, and Stanley Jordan,” he shares. “It’s an incredible experience to collaborate, teach, and perform with such a talented group. It’s a great joy to keep creating, traveling, and spreading happiness. I want to help people forget their troubles and let their guards down.”
Emmanuel remains passionate and driven, saying, “I still have that youthful outlook. I keep pushing myself and striving for improvement. The US audiences are fantastic, and I love that I’m still discovering new fans every night. But at home, there’s a sense of love and acceptance whenever I step on stage. I feel completely connected to my home crowd.”
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