Andrew Farriss, best known as the co-founder and creative powerhouse behind the legendary band INXS, will mark a major milestone in his career by making his Grand Ole Opry debut on Saturday, December 14.
The announcement comes as Andrew kicks off his Australian tour in Sydney on October 24, winding his way around the country to cap off the jaunt in Perth on November 10 whereupon he jets his way to Nashville in preparation for this historic performance.
Andrew, whose songwriting and musical contributions helped shape the sound of INXS and drive their success to over 80 million albums sold worldwide, is now stepping onto one of America’s most revered stages. The Grand Ole Opry is a place of deep-rooted tradition, where countless country music legends like Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton and Garth Brooks have graced the stage, as well as Australian icons such as Reg Lindsay, Catherine Britt, Tommy Emmanuel, Keith Urban, Smoky Dawson and Slim Dusty. Andrew is in esteemed company indeed.
For Farriss, a global rock icon, this performance marks not only a personal achievement but a merging of two worlds – the international rock stage and the heart of American country music.
While INXS achieved major success with 7 US Top 10 Singles, 3 Grammy nominations, and an induction into the ARIA Hall of Fame, Farriss is now channeling his creativity into a new direction, one deeply influenced by American roots and country music. His self-titled debut solo album released in 2021 blends Americana, rhythm, and country, revealing a new dimension to the artist behind some of the most memorable songs of the last 40 years.
Over the past 15 years, Andrew has built strong songwriting connections with writers, many based in Nashville, while transitioning from his rock and funk roots to his signature blend of country and Americana. His upcoming Opry performance offers fans a rare chance to experience his unique Americana and country-inspired sound live on such an iconic stage.
Beyond his solo work, Farriss’ songwriting legacy extends to producing and collaborating with global talents. In addition, his writing credits include artists like Tom Jones and Dua Lipa, whose hit “Break My Heart” charted internationally, Farriss’ versatility and influence continue to resonate across genres. However, it’s his passion for country and Americana that has brought him to the Opry, and he couldn’t be more thrilled to share this part of his journey with fans.
“Performing at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville is an American dream come true,” says Andrew. “It really is the home of the country music greats and I’m also proud to join the ranks of the amazing artists who have performed at this important and historic venue.”
With a career spanning four decades, Farriss’ Grand Ole Opry debut is not just a nod to his musical past but a look toward his future. As he steps onto the stage in Nashville, he’ll be joining an elite group of performers whose music has left an indelible mark on American culture.
For the past 32 years, Andrew and his family have owned and operated a cattle and grains farm in northwest NSW. Living and working alongside cowboys and cowgirls, Andrew draws inspiration from his rural lifestyle, the rugged beauty of the land, and the authentic spirit of country music. This way of life has naturally influenced his transition into the Americana, country rock, and folk genres.
Tickets for Andrew Farriss’ “Something Stronger” Australian Tour are available here
For more on Andrew Farriss’ solo career, visit andrewfarriss.com.
ANDREW FARRISS SOMETHING STRONGER TOUR OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2024
THU 24 OCT – THE BRASS MONKEY, CRONULLA NSW
with Bryce Sainty
FRI 25 OCT – LIVE AT THE POLO, CANBERRA ACT
with Dana Hassall
SAT 26 OCT – ORANGE WINE FESTIVAL, CANOBOLAS DANCE HALL, ORANGE NSW
with Kyle Manning
THU OCT 31 – BRUNSWICK BALLROOM, MELBOURNE VIC
with Davidson Brothers
FRI 01 NOV – GOLDEN VINE HOTEL, BENDIGO VIC
with Davidson Brothers
SAT 02 NOV – MO’S DESERT CLUBHOUSE, BURLEIGH HEADS QLD
with Tori Forsyth
SUN 03 NOV – LEFTY’S MUSIC HALL, BRISBANE QLD
with Tori Forsyth
THURS 07 NOV – GATSBY SKYLINE, MANJIMUP WA
with Claudia Tripp
FRI 08 NOV – THE RIVER, MARGARET RIVER WA
with Claudia Tripp
SAT 09 NOV – FROTH CRAFT BREWERY, BUNBURY WA
with Claudia Tripp
SUN 10 NOV – MOJO’S, FREMANTLE WA
with Claudia Tripp
Robert is the founder of AustralianSenior.com.
He studied Journalism and Marketing at USC and TV Presentation at NIDA. He is passionate about advocating for seniors and presenting non-biased, fact-based news to enable those over 50 to thrive in an increasingly complicated digital world. He covers all areas of life and style, from pop culture to the economy and travel to events. If it's worth reading, it's worth writing about.
He loves to travel the globe and is a recently diagnosed, late-in-life Type One Diabetic.