Interview by Olivia Williams
From the towns that inspire his songs to the fans who’ve become family, Lee reflects on his incredible career, the stories behind the music, and what’s on the horizon.
This is the final chapter of your Boys From The Bush tour. What made you decide now was the right time to wrap it up?
Well, all good things must come to an end, and this tour was actually meant to wrap up at the end of last year. But the reaction was so big, we added another 40 towns and cities across Australia. Just like the song says, “it’s never really over till it ends!”
What does that relationship with your audience mean to you after all these years?
To me, they’re much more than fans, they’re family. I just want to say to all my mates who’ve made this music a part of their life – thanks for the legendary times together and the inspiration you’ve given me through the years.
The documentary Boy From The Bush gives fans a behind-the-scenes look at your life on and off the stage. Was it confronting to have the camera turned on you so intimately?
It turned out to be less about the cameras and more about the people and places that inspired the music. Songs like “She’s My Ute,” “Hat Town,” “Goondiwindi Moon,” “Flying with the King,” and “The Outback Club” all came from time spent travelling this country. It was great to bring those stories to the big screen.
Many of our readers grew up with your music, and they’re now at a stage in life where they’re reflecting on legacy and purpose. What’s something you’ve learned about yourself through decades of touring and storytelling?
I’ve learned we live in the greatest country on Earth, but it’s the Australian people who make it great. It’s a privilege to sing songs about us and play the music I love.
If you could go back and give your younger self one piece of advice before stepping out on stage for that very first tour, what would it be?
Hold on tight…it’s gonna be an epic ride!
What’s something you’ve come to appreciate more in life after turning 50?
Meditation. It’s something I’ve been interested in for a long time, and the more I put into it, the more I get out of it. I’ve found it to be the answer to a lot of life’s challenges—and the key to finding happiness within.
Quick Qs with Lee
What’s always in your ute on tour?
Yeti coolers and flasks.
Favourite Aussie town to stop for a pie and a yarn?
There are plenty of good country bakeries on the way out to Winton, but it’s the crumbed lamb cutlets at the North Gregory Hotel that keep me coming back!
Who’s on your personal playlist right now? Any surprising picks?
If you’re riding shotgun in my 79 Series LandCruiser, you’ll hear songs like “A Country Boy Can Survive” by Hank Jr., “Roots of My Raising” by Merle Haggard, “Mona Lisa Lost Her Smile” and “The Ride” by David Allan Coe. There’ll be some George Jones, a bit of Slim… and maybe “Damn Good Mates” with the Wolfe Brothers!
Lee Kernaghan’s Boys From The Bush – The Concert is at Her Majesty’s Theatre on Friday, 14 November 2025. Tickets here.
