Headline Shows in Glasgow, Manchester, and Birmingham, Alongside Country Calling Festival Appearance
New Collab With Chase Matthew, ‘SMOKE I’VE KNOWN’, Available Now
Australian country music powerhouse James Johnston is bringing his electrifying live show to the UK for the very first time this August.
A three-time Golden Guitar winner, ARIA Award nominee, and one of Australia’s fastest-rising international country exports, Johnston has quickly cemented himself as “the face of a new wave in Australian country music” (Rolling Stone Australia). Johnston has become a defining voice of modern country with over 163 million global streams, six #1 airplay hits in Australia, and a history-making debut album, RAISED LIKE THAT which held the #1 spot on the ARIA Australian Country Albums Chart for 35 weeks.
“There’s just something so exciting about taking my songs and stories all the way across the world and finding people there who connect with them too,” shares Johnston. “I’ve always believed country music speaks the same language, no matter where you’re from, so getting the chance to play these shows in the UK and meet the fans face to face means so much to me.”
Fresh from the release of his powerful new single ‘SMOKE I’VE KNOWN‘ with US country star Chase Matthew, a song written in Nashville that bridges Australia and Tennessee; and previous track ‘DO YOU PLAY ANY COUNTRY‘ – a throwback to his days playing classic hits in pubs and bars across his home country, released in time for a landmark mainstage performance at CMC Rocks Festival in March – James Johnston continues to build serious international momentum, proving country music has no borders.
Following the release of his acclaimed sophomore album WHERE YOU’LL FIND ME and major performances across Australia, Sweden, South Africa and the US, he is stepping fully into his global era, blending arena-ready country anthems with raw, relatable storytelling that celebrates everyday life, hard work, and where you come from.
With an electrifying voice, high-energy stage presence, and songs built for big crowds and bigger singalongs, Johnston is “the hottest name in the Australian country music scene right now” (QLD Music Trails) and his debut UK headline run is set to be one of the must-see country events of 2026.
Pre-Sale begins at 10am BST on Wednesday, April 29; General On Sale at 10am BST on Thursday, April 30 – full UK tour dates below:
Tue 11 August 2026 – Glasgow, Scotland – Òran Mór
Thu 13 August 2026 – Birmingham, England – Hare & Hounds
Fri 14 August 2026 – Manchester, England – Academy 3
Sun 16 August 2026 – Chelmsford, England – Country Calling UK
For all ticketing information, please visit: www.jamesjohnston.com
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