KT Tunstall will return to Australia and New Zealand in May 2026 to celebrate the 20th anniversary of her groundbreaking multi-million-selling debut album, “Eye To The Telescope”. KT’s band will comprise of Jackie Barnes on drums – Jimmy Barnes’ son who is one of the most famous musicians in Australia (and a fellow Scot!). Along with Australian singer/songwriter artist Kathleen Halloran on guitar and US bassist tour-de force Joel Gottschalk. Adding that something extra to these incredible shows, Adelaide trio, Germein Sisters, have now been confirmed as Special Guests on all Australian dates.
Speaking with Australian Musician’ Joshua Batten from her home studio in Santa Fe, New Mexico, KT Tunstall reflected on a hectic period of touring, creative renewal, and her enduring connection with Australian audiences.
Having already visited Australia earlier this year as special guest on Train’s tour, Tunstall described that run as “magic,” praising the generosity and collaborative spirit of the band. The experience reinforced her desire to return on her own terms, and the upcoming 2026 tour will see her headline shows across the country with a handpicked lineup of musicians that blends international and local talent.
Central to the tour is the continued celebration of Eye to the Telescope, now more than 20 years old and still regarded as Tunstall’s defining record. Recently reissued through BMG as an expanded double LP and deluxe CD box set, the album now includes three previously unreleased tracks that were written during the original sessions but left off to preserve the album’s pacing. Revisiting those songs two decades later has given Tunstall fresh perspective, and they will feature prominently in the Australian shows. While the album will form the backbone of the set, Tunstall stressed that the exact running order is still fluid, with plans to involve Australian fans in deciding how the songs are presented live.
Beyond Eye to the Telescope, the 2026 shows will also draw from across her catalogue, including material from the Soul, Body and Mind trilogy that Australian audiences have not yet seen performed extensively live. With the original album running under an hour, Tunstall plans to use the second half of the show to explore later records, revisit fan favourites, and allow space for spontaneity and audience interaction.
Tunstall has personally selected her touring band, emphasising both musical excellence and shared attitude. Australian rock royalty Jackie Barnes will handle drums, alongside bassist Joel and acclaimed guitarist Kathleen Halloran. Tunstall spoke passionately about the importance of balance and representation on stage, noting how rare it still is to tour with female lead guitarists and how vital it is to support them. She described the lineup as a “magic soup” of talent, gratitude, and experience, united by a love of live performance rather than industry cynicism.
Rehearsals will be intentionally brief, reflecting Tunstall’s belief in what she calls “preparation and chaos.” While the band will arrive well-versed in the songs, she values the electricity that comes from discovering new dynamics on stage, with the audience acting as a collaborator in shaping each night’s performance.
The tour also arrives at a creatively fertile time for Tunstall. Following years of focus on large-scale projects such as the Clueless musical, she has begun writing new solo material, inspired by her life in Santa Fe and the idea of treating everyday living as an artistic practice. While new music may still be evolving, the 2026 Australian tour is positioned as a moment of reflection, reconnection, and renewed joy.
For Australian fans, Tunstall’s return represents more than nostalgia. It is a chance to hear a landmark album re-examined, discover overlooked songs brought to life at last, and experience an artist who continues to evolve while honouring the work that first made her a household name.
2026 AUSTRALIAN TOUR DATES
Tues, May 19: Astor Theatre, Perth
Fri, May 22: Princess Theatre, Brisbane
Sat, 23 May 23: Metro Theatre, Sydney
Sun, May 24: Northcote Theatre, Melbourne
Wed, May 27: The Gov, Adelaide
Fri, May 29: Powerstation, Auckland *
Sat, May 30: Meow Nui, Wellington *
* Germein Sisters not performing
NZ Supports TBC
Tickets on sale now at https://daltours.cc/KT-Tunstall
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