JAMES JOHNSTON
ACADEMY 3, , Manchester City Centre Directions
Fri 14.08.2026 19:30
Upgraded Venue: Academy 2 SOLD OUT Join the WAIT LIST - https://arep.co/m/james-johnston-uk-sold-out-wait-list Australian country music powerhouse James Johnston is bringing his electrifying live show to the UK for the very first time this August. A three-time Golden Guitar winner, ARIA Award nominee, and one of Australia’s fastest-rising international country exports, Johnston has become a defining voice of modern country with over 163 million global streams, six #1 airplay hits in Australia, and a history-making debut album, ‘RAISED LIKE THAT' which held the #1 spot on the ARIA Australian Country Albums Chart for 35 weeks . Fresh from the release of his powerful new single ’SMOKE I’VE KNOWN' with US country star Chase Matthew, a track written in Nashville that bridges Australia and Tennessee and proves country music has no borders, Johnston continues to build serious international momentum. Following the release of his acclaimed sophomore album ‘WHERE YOU’LL FIND ME' and major performances across Australia, Sweden, South Africa and the US, he is stepping fully into his global era, blending arena-ready country anthems with raw, relatable storytelling that celebrates everyday life, hard work, and where you come from. With an electrifying voice, high-energy stage presence, and songs built for big crowds and bigger singalongs, his debut UK headline run is set to be one of the must-see country events of 2026.
Performers
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James Johnston
When James Johnston released his debut single, ‘RAISED LIKE THAT’ four years ago, he never could have anticipated the whirlwind that followed. Six #1 airplay hits, 123+ million global streams, two Golden Guitars and two Countrytown Awards later, James is easily Australia’s most exciting Country Music artist. The song that started it all has been certified ARIA platinum, making James the first ever Australian independent country artist to achieve this for a single.
But there’s more.
The bloke who grew up near the small town of Wingham in New South Wales and sings of country life with an authenticity that makes a drover cry, a farmer sigh, a young jackaroo spin, a country girl smile and city folk wistful, has made Australian music history with his debut album.
His album RAISED LIKE THAT (The Album) is Australia’s largest debut Country album ever, a body of work featuring 20 extraordinary tracks and a heartfelt celebration of country living. His sound is modern and unique with driving guitars, pounding drums and his gravelly vocal centre stage. He works his boots off.