Australian country star James Johnston is set to make his long-awaited UK debut this summer, bringing his high-energy live show overseas for the very first time with a run of headline dates in August 2026.
A three-time Golden Guitar winner and ARIA Awards nominee, Johnston has rapidly emerged as one of Australia’s most exciting country exports. With more than 163 million global streams, six No. 1 airplay hits, and a record-breaking debut album, Raised Like That—which spent 35 weeks atop the ARIA Australian Country Albums Chart—he’s been widely recognised as a leading voice in the genre’s new wave.
Speaking ahead of the tour, Johnston shared his excitement about connecting with international audiences: country music, he says, transcends borders, and the chance to bring his songs and stories to UK fans is a milestone moment in his career.
The announcement comes during a period of major momentum for Johnston. His recent single “SMOKE I’VE KNOWN,” a collaboration with Chase Matthew, continues to expand his global reach, while previous release “DO YOU PLAY ANY COUNTRY” paid tribute to his early days performing in pubs and bars across Australia. Both tracks build on the success of his sophomore album, Where You’ll Find Me, further cementing his reputation for blending arena-ready country anthems with grounded, relatable storytelling.
Having already performed across Australia, Sweden, South Africa, and the United States, Johnston now steps fully into his international era. Known for his commanding vocals and crowd-driven performances, his UK debut is shaping up to be one of the standout country tours of 2026.
UK Tour Dates:
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
Pre-sale tickets will be available from 10am BST on Wednesday, April 29, with general sale beginning at 10am BST on Thursday, April 30.
For ticket information and further details, visit: https://www.jamesjohnston.com
