Has Australia produced a better pop singer than Tina Arena? We're struggling to come up with any who can rival the warmth and power of her voice, her astonishing skill as a storyteller, and her songwriting chops. With all these elements coming together, a night in her presence is a near-religious experience.
A couple of days after Sydneysiders were swooning over her performance for the Sydney Opera House’s outdoor concert series with Richard Marx, our queen of the power ballad announced that she’ll be on the road again in 2025 for her encore Don’t Ask Again Tour in April and May, and she'll be performing all her famous hits (did you know 'Sorrento Moon' is about that Sorrento, not the one in Italy?).
Following the news that her classic hit 'Chains' has been selected as one of ten extraordinary audio recordings to be added to the National Film & Sound Archive’s unique Sounds of Australia collection, this tour promises to be "a love letter to Tina's loyal fans". The NSFA Archive collects sound recordings for inclusion in Australia’s audiovisual archive, creating a continuous record of Australian culture, and 'Chains' is being recognised for "illustrating Australia’s cultural and political life and environment" – and we reckon anyone who has belted along to the words "I'm in chaaaiiinnnsss" can only agree.
The tour is kicking off in Perth before heading to Sydney’s gorgeous State Theatre for two big shows on April 29 and 30 – that’s a Tuesday and a Wednesday night, for those playing at home – and that’s not all for Sydney, with Ms Arena also sauntering over to the Evan Theatre at Panthers Penrith on Sunday, May 4.
Tickets are on sale from 10am on Friday, December 12, at tinaarena.com.
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