Western Australia's beloved rock trio Eskimo Joe have revealed exciting plans to commemorate two decades since the release of their career-defining album Black Fingernails, Red Wine with a special national tour scheduled for May and June 2026.
Return to Fremantle Roots
The anniversary celebration will begin where the band's journey started back in 1997 - the historic port city of Fremantle. Founding members Kav Temperley, Stu MacLeod and Joel Quartermain will perform the entire seminal album at Freo Social on May 1 and 2, 2026, treating fans to the complete tracklist alongside other career highlights that have cemented their place in Australian music history.
Following their hometown shows, the band will take the celebration across the country with performances confirmed for Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney, and Adelaide, giving fans nationwide the opportunity to relive this iconic album live.
The Album That Changed Everything
Frontman Kav Temperley expressed profound gratitude for the lasting impact of their 2006 release, which dramatically altered the band's trajectory and continues to resonate with audiences generations later.
"I have nothing but gratitude for the fact that we can still go out and play Black Fingernails, Red Wine and that it still means so much to so many people," Temperley shared. "It absolutely blows my mind and warms my heart that this album continues to strike a chord with both old and new fans."
The significance of Black Fingernails, Red Wine in Australian music cannot be overstated. The album debuted at number one on the ARIA charts, achieved impressive 4x Platinum sales status, and earned the band four ARIA Awards, establishing them as one of Australia's most successful rock acts.
Rediscovering Hidden Gems
Lead guitarist Stu MacLeod revealed that performing the album from start to finish will allow the band to breathe new life into tracks that have rarely been played live over the years.
"It's a chance for us to relive a pretty special moment in time for us, and to revisit those songs that never made it to the stage," MacLeod explained. "Some of my favourite Eskimo Joe songs are incidental album tracks that we just never performed live, so this tour offers something truly special for dedicated fans."
Drummer and bass guitarist Joel Quartermain reflected on the album's unique creative significance, describing it as a rare moment of perfect artistic alignment for the trio.
"With this album, the band really arrived at a point of creative cohesion," Quartermain noted. "We seemed to have that elusive balance of experience, youth and blind confidence to go after a pretty ambitious vision. It was a sweet spot and when we play these songs live, it's fun to return to that place."
The upcoming tour marks the band's first major concert series since their 2018 orchestral tour, which saw them collaborate with symphony orchestras across Australia. While they'll play select shows on the east coast this summer, the 2026 anniversary tour represents their most comprehensive national tour in nearly a decade.
Special Collaborations and Merchandise
Adding to the nostalgic celebration, Eskimo Joe will welcome early 2000s rock sensation Alex Lloyd as their support act. Lloyd, best known for his hits Amazing and Beautiful, will join the band throughout the national tour.
In a uniquely Australian tribute, the band has partnered with Margaret River's prestigious Howard Park Winery to release a Black Fingernails, Red Wine 20th Anniversary Edition Cabernet Sauvignon. The limited edition wine will be available alongside bespoke tour merchandise designed specifically for the anniversary celebration.
Tickets for all national shows went on sale today from 6am Western Standard Time, with fans encouraged to secure their spots early for what promises to be one of the most memorable Australian music events of 2026.
Across their impressive 27-year musical journey, Eskimo Joe have released six studio albums, but Black Fingernails, Red Wine remains the standout work that transformed them from Fremantle favourites to national treasures.
