Sydney – Thursday, 4 November 2021. The Sydney Opera House today announced ARIA award-winning singer-songwriter Vance Joy will perform two unforgettable, celebratory performances on the spectacular Opera House Forecourt in November 2022.
Set beneath the Opera House’s famous white sails and framed by the dramatic Monumental Steps and Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Forecourt will provide a stunning backdrop for Vance Joy’s long-awaited, anthemic show featuring brand new music, fan favourites and a full band.
Supporting Vance Joy is 19-year-old Bundjalung descendent and soulful ARIA award-nominated singer-songwriter Budjerah, whose blend of gospel, soul and contemporary R&B will enchant audiences, as well as rising Australian pop musician Mia Wray, nominated for Breakthrough Artist of the Year at the 2021 AIR Awards.
Sydney Opera House Head of Contemporary Music, Ben Marshall says: “It’s genuinely thrilling to be welcoming back live music to the Sydney Opera House Forecourt in such a big way, with two very special performances from Australia’s own Vance Joy. Vance Joy’s all-conquering arc has seen his emotionally-charged songs, full of life and longing, performed to ecstatic crowds in big rooms and atop festival bills around the world. Now he’s making his debut on the most spectacular outdoor stage Australia can offer, alongside the immense talents of Budjerah and Mia Wray, and we can look forward to being back amongst a crowd of music lovers again over two glorious evenings out on the harbour next summer.”
Vance Joy rose to fame following his breakout single “Riptide”, which topped the 2013 Triple J Hottest 100. He quickly soared to international acclaim with his 2014 full-length debut, Dream Your Life Away, winning the 2015 ARIA Award for Best Male Artist. In 2015, Vance Joy was handpicked to open Taylor Swift’s 1989 world tour. His intimate 2017 follow-up album, Nation of Two, followed a sold-out North American tour, and performances at Coachella and Lollapalooza.
This year, Vance Joy returned with the international hit “You” in collaboration with Marshmello and Benny Blanco, followed by the rousing anthem “Missing Piece”, nominated for Song of the Year and Best Pop Release at this year’s ARIA Awards.
The Opera House Forecourt is one of the world’s most spectacular outdoor performance venues and has played host to The National’s legendary sold-out performances in 2014 and 2018, and Paul Kelly’s long-awaited Forecourt debut followed by pop sensation Lorde’s unforgettable sold-out shows in 2017. In April 2021, the Opera House presented four free outdoor concerts featuring a debut performance by singer-songwriter Jack River and an Indigenous-led showcase Barrabuwari with hip-hop luminary Ziggy Ramo and the future voices of Australia including Baarka, JK-47, Milan Ring, Becca Hatch and Kobie Dee.
“I’ve been talking about doing a tour like this one for years, so it’s incredibly exciting that it’s becoming a reality. I love touring in Australia and can’t wait to return to the Sydney Opera House, this time playing two shows outside on the famous Forecourt. I’m also pumped that two of my favourite up-and-coming artists will join me there: Budjerah and Mia Wray. It’s been way too long since I’ve been on tour in Australia so I cannot wait to re-connect with everyone again and play some new songs as well as the favourites.”
Vance Joy