Ben Lee – On Tour...Always@ The Warehouse, Townsville (June 19, 2026)

It was a different experience at The Warehouse, with tables and chairs arranged throughout the usually standing-only venue. The setup created an intimate, stripped-back atmosphere that suited the crowd of fans, both old and new, or, as Lee so eloquently put it, those who applauded with enthusiasm and those who applauded simply out of politeness.

After all, this was show 58 of a 60-show run across regional Australia, and as Lee remarked, “the freaks come out at night.” Some interesting characters in the crowd shamelessly busting moves front and centre, along with others snapping selfies throughout the night, provided plenty of laughs. Then there was the audience member who requested a song Lee had already performed!

Armed with a binder containing his extensive back catalogue, and likening the practice, tongue firmly in cheek, to that of Jimi Hendrix, Bon Scott and Bernard Fanning, Lee was ready to deliver virtually any song on request. The Fanning reference was particularly interesting, given the pair’s long-buried feud and memories it stirred of the 2005 Triple J Hottest 100, where Lee’s Catch My Disease finished runner-up to Fanning’s Wish You Well in a fascinating juxtaposition of song lyrics and styles.

Lee’s vocal ability has not deteriorated at all, and he can still entertain an audience as effortlessly as he did in his youth. His quirky performance style remains intact, as does his ability to connect through both uplifting and introspective songs. Fan favourites included the catchy Into the Dark, Gamble Everything for Love, Love Me Like the World is Ending, Something Borrowed, Something Blue and, of course, Cigarettes Will Kill You. He also light-heartedly poked fun at his good fortune in having songs such as Catch My Disease become staples of advertising and music licensing. The crowd joined in with near-perfect pitch during the familiar “na-na-na-na, na-na-na” refrain, while We’re All in This Together served as a reminder of the song that helped make Lee a household name.

The set also featured deeper cuts, including Pointless Beauty, which Lee noted was inspired by Rufus Wainwright, alongside material from more recent albums such as Parents Get High, Sex and Drugs and Rock ’n’ Roll and Positive Energy.

Between songs, Lee offered up a stream of humorous observations about marriage (cue Marriage Material), parenthood and ageing. He spoke about his daughter Goldie, who often questions why he is not like other dads—an experience that has inspired songs such as Crooked Tree, featuring a heavily distorted interlude that nodded to Hendrix. Throughout the evening, Lee also expressed genuine gratitude to the fanbase that has allowed him to sustain a career spanning more than three decades.

Another highlight was a brief rendition of the theme song from the long-forgotten 1980s television series Charles in Charge, which brought smiles of recognition to many faces in the audience.

Overall, it was a great night of “grown-up music” from an artist who remains an engaging performer, songwriter and storyteller. The intimate setting, varied setlist and warm humour combined to create a memorable evening for an equally eclectic audience. Despite being told not to expect an encore, the crowd was treated to one anyway, responding with enthusiastic cheers and providing a fitting end to an entertaining night.