Mark Seymour at Ellis Beach Bar & Grill - QLD

ALL AGES EVENT

Children aged 12 and under can attend for free when accompanied by an adult holding a valid ticket.

ABOUT MARK SEYMOUR

Mark Seymour wrote his first song in the summer of 1980 about a space invader machine. He was broke at the time, living in a Carlton share house with no power and no running water.

Shortly after the pop band he was in, ‘The Jetsonnes’, morphed into something slightly more apocalyptic, changed its name to ‘Hunters and Collectors’.. and Seymour went on to compose the dancefloor hell-scape single ‘Talking to a Stranger’ which secured several international record deals.

Three years later, with the departure of Greg Perano on industrial percussion, the demonic groove was lost. Hunters and Collectors morphed again and Seymour wrote the pop ballad ‘Throw Your Arms Around Me’..

To say that Seymour’s trajectory has been ‘inconsistent’ would be an understatement! And yet

45 years later, he’ll tell you that the process hasn’t changed that much. The only thing that has is the subject matter. There’s always been an acoustic guitar, a recording device, mumbled words and some vague description of where he was or who he was with, the rooms he’s lived in, roads travelled, either surrounded by musicians or alone in the back shed.

Many songs have disappeared while others have endured beyond the circumstances that spawned them. For Seymour song writing has been as much about emotional survival as anything else ..

Despite mixed fortune, Seymour’s songs have become pivotal in the musical story of the nation but Seymour is as mystified by their relative success as anyone..

“some just seem to have hit the mark more than others..”

‘Talking to A Stranger,’ ‘The Slab’, ‘Throw Your Arms Around Me’, ‘The Holy Grail’, ‘Ballad of the One Eyed Man’ ‘Westgate’, ‘The Whole World is Dreaming,’ ‘The Dogs of Williamstown,’ ‘The Boxer,’ ‘Cherry Red’ ‘Waiting on the Kid,’…

He has spent 18 years in front of Hunters and Collectors whose stylistic direction often changed abruptly from one album to the next and a subsequent 27 years as a ‘solo’ artist, acoustically and with four piece rock band ‘The Undertow’ performing pretty much everywhere.. from the Olympic Games to wine bars in central Queensland.

When asked how performance has changed him he says “It’s all the same’.. songs are about making a connection through story.. with real people.. standing directly in front of you in a room.. it doesn’t matter where it is.. I just get behind the songs.. They’re all that matters really.”

Even now the fundamentals haven’t shifted. In 2024 Seymour released ‘The Boxer’, his 19th collection of original songs..

He has recently collaborated with singers Vika and Linda Bull, contributing to their forthcoming album.

He is also appearing on the Red Hot Summer Tour later this year and is currently preparing for a new album.. slated for release in 2026/27.

Supported by:

Stuie Harcourt

Stu’s musical journey began in childhood and has continued ever since picking up the guitar at just 11 years old. With over 35 years dedicated to live performance and production, Stu has released 10 solo EPs and albums, including his 2021 album Patio Of Life, written during COVID-19 restrictions. A lifelong musician with a passion for his craft, Stu brings decades of experience and a genuine love of music to every performance.

https://www.stuharcourtmusic.com/

Julian James + Beci Kate

Julian James and Beci Kate are full-time touring troubadours bringing a dynamic blend of Americana, alt-country, folk, soul and blues to stages across Australia. With Julian’s fiery guitar, soulful vocals and harmonica paired with Beci Kate’s captivating harmonies and groove-driven percussion, their high-energy performances are packed with heart, soul and undeniable chemistry. From intimate gigs to major festivals including Woodford Folk Festival, Blues on Broadbeach and Tamworth Country Music Festival, this road-tripping duo delivers an unforgettable musical journey.

https://www.julianjames.com.au/

Nicole Nighthawk

Award-winning singer-songwriter Nicole Nighthawk delivers soulful, emotionally charged performances, blending heartfelt storytelling with captivating vocals and powerful alternative rock. 🖤 A former winner of Best Rock Artist at the Australian Independent Music Awards with her band GRANDHOUR, Nicole has shared stages with The Screaming Jets, Ash Grunwald and other acclaimed artists. Now based in Tropical North Queensland, Nicole continues to win hearts with her original music, engaging live shows and award-winning talent, taking home the People’s Choice Award at Stratford Sounds 2026.

https://nicolenighthawk.com/