Michael Paynter Reimagines the Great Australian Songbook for a New Generation
Belle Taylor
The West Australian
Sat, 28 March 2026 2:00AM
Few topics ignite as much passionate discussion as determining which tracks deserve a place in the Great Australian Songbook. Should it include timeless classics like A Pub With No Beer and hits from The Seekers? Or perhaps anthems such as INXS's Never Tear Us Apart, which topped Triple J's recent countdown of the top 100 Aussie songs, alongside staples from Cold Chisel and The Angels? Maybe it's time to celebrate more recent icons like Powderfinger and Jebediah.
For Michael Paynter, who is set to perform his own interpretation of the Great Australian Songbook across Australia later this year, the selection is deeply personal. "It is really the songs that have meant the most to me over my 40 years on earth," he explains. "John Farnham did a Great Australian Songbook in the 90s, featuring artists like Ross Wilson and Renee Geyer that he grew up with. Mine focuses more on Millennial bands such as Powderfinger, Missy Higgins, and Silverchair—those groups that shaped my upbringing and resonate with my generation."
A Busy Year for a Veteran Musician
Paynter is embarking on a national tour in April, following the release of his EP, The Great Australian Songbook, Vol 1, earlier this month. This marks a bustling period for the singer and musician, who has been a prominent figure in the Australian music scene for nearly two decades, actively contributing to the evolving Aussie songbook for future listeners.
His extensive career includes serving as music director for The Veronicas and performing in touring bands for Icehouse and Jimmy Barnes. As a contestant on The Voice in 2013 and with five solo singles to his name, Paynter draws from a wealth of experiences to curate his songbook. "A lot of these songs, I've worked, and still do work, with the people that wrote and sung them," he shares. "I have incredible stories, like playing Khe Sanh with Jimmy Barnes to 18,000 Akubras at the Big Red Bash in Birdsville. These anecdotes enrich the music, so when choosing my songbook, I simply selected what meant the most to me."
From Musical Theatre to Rock'n'Roll Roots
Recently, Paynter concluded a run playing Jesus in Jesus Christ Superstar, his first venture into musical theatre—a career shift he admits was unexpected. In a recent interview, it was revealed that he has been cast to portray John Farnham in the upcoming musical Whispering Jack, based on the singer's life. "It's such an honour and an exciting time," Paynter says. "To build a show from the ground up, create a character, and develop a production from scratch is something I've never done before, so I'm really thrilled."
Before returning to the theatre, however, Paynter is reconnecting with his rock'n'roll origins through a headline Australian tour. "It's gonna be good," he enthuses. "My favourite aspect of this tour is getting back to where I'm comfortable, doing what I've loved since I was 18."
Michael Paynter will perform at the Astor Theatre on June 3, offering fans a unique blend of nostalgia and fresh perspectives on Australian music classics.
