American singer-songwriter Cat Power has today announced her return to Australia for a run of special anniversary shows performing her seminal album The Greatest in full – alongside songs from her extraordinary catalogue spanning the last three decades. This unmissable performance comes to the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne as part of the Live at the Gardens series on Thursday 3 December, proudly presented by MG Live, Love Police and Triple R.
Twenty years on, Cat Power’s The Greatest is still one of the most astounding records ever to be heard – a late-night classic that transports you back to 2006, feeling just as intimate today as when it first blew our minds and broke our hearts two decades ago.
Joining Cat Power at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Melbourne will be special guests, US folk-Americana singer-songwriter Courtney Marie Andrews and bringing their unique blend of rock, country and punk, Melbourne’s own Hedge Burners.
Tickets for Cat Power at Live at the Gardens go on sale Friday 19 June from Ticketmaster at 9.00am local time, with Live at the Gardens, MG Live and Love Police member presales beginning Wednesday 17 June at 9.00am local time.
Recorded in Memphis with members of the legendary Hi Rhythm section (including Mabon “Teenie” Hodges, Leroy “Flick” Hodges, Steve Potts and other top Memphis musicians), The Greatest saw Cat Power – aka Chan Marshall – step into the warm glow of Southern soul and make it entirely her own. The album drifts through heartbreak, survival, longing and grace with the kind of restraint that only makes the emotional weight hit harder. From the slow-burn sway of Living Proof to the bruised beauty of the title track, these songs endure because they tell the truth softly.
In 2007 Cat Power became the first woman to win the prestigious Shortlist Music Prize for The Greatest. Judged by a panel of her peers, singer-songwriter KT Tunstall called the critically acclaimed album, “An immediate classic that will never age.”
To mark the milestone of this soul-soaked classic, a 20th anniversary edition of The Greatest will be reissued on 10 July via Matador Records featuring a limited-edition re-print of the album’s original pink foil cover art, as well as pink vinyl.
Now in its fifth season, Live at the Gardens has firmly established itself as one of Melbourne’s most loved outdoor live music experiences – and this November and December it returns to the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne with another unmissable program, with acclaimed UK rockers Wolf Alice and Australian trio DMA’S already announced, with more exciting Live at the Gardens announcements coming soon.
A collaboration between MG Live and Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, the series transforms the Observatory Precinct into a magical inner-city venue. Previous seasons have featured standout international acts like Franz Ferdinand, Groove Armada, Leftfield, Todd Terje, Marlon Williams, Róisín Murphy and Lake Street Dive, alongside Australian favourites including The Living End, The Presets, Cut Copy, Bliss n Eso, Thelma Plum, Chet Faker, Matt Corby, Tash Sultana, Xavier Rudd, Mark Seymour, The Cruel Sea, Sarah Blasko, Vika & Linda and more.
PRAISE FOR LIVE AT THE GARDENS
“Any event that can be enjoyed under the stars is a welcome addition to the summer calendar.” – The Music
“The people behind the acclaimed A Day On The Green series have transformed Melbourne’s Royal Botanic Gardens’ Observatory Precinct into a delightful new inner-city live music experience … Incredible band, great venue, good times.” – Australian Musician Magazine
“One of the most beautiful places on earth.” – Alex Kapranos, Franz Ferdinand
Cat Power’s Australian tour encompasses shows across the country, sharing the magic while allowing Chan to spend time in a country she feels deeply connected to.
There are few artists who can hold an audience the way Cat Power can. Experience the magic of The Greatest and re-enter the orbit of the early millennium in this raw, hypnotic show under the stars at the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne on Thursday 3 December.
Cat Power: The Greatest – Live at the Gardens
With special guests Courtney Marie Andrews and Hedge Burners
*Presented by MG Live, Love Police and Triple R
Thursday 3 December, 2026 | Live at the Gardens | Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, VIC
Lic. All Ages
Presale from Wednesday 17 June, 2026 at 9.00am local time for 47 hours or until presale allocation exhausted
Tickets on sale Friday 19 June, 2026 at 9.00am local time
All upcoming events and ticket info: liveatthegardens.com.au
NATIONAL CAT POWER TOUR DATES
Cat Power – The Greatest On Tour
Presented by Love Police
26 November – Bruce Mason Centre, Auckland, NZ
27 November – The Opera House, Wellington, NZ
30 November – The Tivoli, Brisbane, QLD
2 December – Costa Hall, Geelong, VIC
3 December – Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne, VIC*
5 December – Hindley St. Music Hall, Adelaide, SA
7 December – Sydney Opera House, Sydney, NSW
9 December – Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra, ACT
11 December – Astor Theatre, Perth, WA
All ticketing and national tour information: lovepolice.com.au
Patrons are advised to purchase tickets only through authorised ticket sellers.
We cannot guarantee any ticket purchase made through any means other than the official ticketing agents listed on the MG Live, Live at the Gardens and Love Police websites.
LIVE AT THE GARDENS TICKET PRICE
General Admission $119.90*
*A handling fee of $5.95 applies per transaction
Sign up here and be the first to hear about Melbourne’s newest outdoor music event, Live at the Gardens and gain access to exclusive member presales.
EVENT INFORMATION
Live at the Gardens is Licensed All-Ages. Strictly no BYO alcohol or food. Broad offering of food and beverages will be available on site with every attempt to ensure all dietary requirements are catered for. Everyone requires a paid ticket excluding babies in arms 24 months and under. Patrons under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or adult guardian at all times.
TRANSPORT & PARKING
For all public transport and parking information
liveatthegardens.com.au/transport
FOLLOW CAT POWER https://catpowermusic.com/