Hometown pop-rock stars prepare to welcome José Carreras and some of the world's biggest music icons to Brisbane for one extraordinary night
Brisbane's own pop-rock superstars Sheppard have performed on stages around the world, but on December 5, the tables will turn, when some of the biggest names in international music fly into their hometown to share the stage with them at The Gabba.
In a major coup for Queensland, legendary Spanish tenor José Carreras will headline Carreras & Friends, an extraordinary one-night-only Australian exclusive bringing together international superstars from opera, rock and pop for a spectacular open-air concert inspired by the legendary Pavarotti & Friends extravaganzas.
Joining Carreras and Sheppard at the iconic Gabba will be Robbie Williams, Ronan Keating, The Corrs, Ann Wilson, Katherine Jenkins, Natalie Imbruglia, Darren Hayes and Il Divo, among others, in a musical line-up rarely seen together on one stage.
For Sheppard, whose international success has taken them from Brisbane to some of the world's biggest stages, the opportunity to welcome music royalty to their own backyard is special.
"We've spent years flying out of Brisbane to perform around the world. This time the world is flying INTO Brisbane, and we get to be part of the welcoming committee. We bloody love that!" the band said. "We've sung Coming Home all over the world. For this one, everyone else is coming to our home, and we reckon Brisbane is going to give them a night they won't forget."
"Can we just acknowledge that we're going to be sharing a stage with some absolute music royalty? These are artists whose songs we grew up hearing, whose careers we've watched and admired."
The band said the concert was also an opportunity to showcase the city they have always proudly called home. "Brisbane has changed enormously since we started playing gigs here, but it still has that warmth and lack of pretence we love about it. "To see an event of this scale created specifically for Brisbane, and to be part of it, feels pretty amazing."
INTERNATIONAL STARS SHARE THEIR LOVE FOR QUEENSLAND
Judging by the messages coming from their international counterparts, the world's biggest stars are just as excited about returning to the Sunshine State.
Global star Robbie Williams said Australia had always had a very special place in his heart. "Australia is somewhere I feel I can just let my shoulders drop and be myself. I reckon Aussies are some of the most authentic people on the planet, and that's why coming back always feels like coming home. So Brisbane, I'm coming home, come see me, come see your boy!"
Irish pop superstar Ronan Keating has affectionately dubbed Brisbane BrisVegas, describing Queensland as his home away from home. "I love any excuse to visit BrisVegas. It has a wonderfully relaxed confidence and its audiences are always incredibly warm," he said. "I'm looking forward to returning to my home from home Queensland and sharing the stage with José and this extraordinary group of artists."
For The Corrs, Queensland has long felt like family. "We've always felt so welcome in Queensland, it's not just the sunshine, but the warmth of the people who've always treated us like family," said Lisa from The Corrs. "It's a special place for us, and we can't wait to be back in Brisbane to share an evening of music with you all at Carreras & Friends."
International classical crossover sensation Il Divo also praised the Queensland welcome. "Queensland is renowned for its natural beauty, but it is the warmth of its people that makes returning so special. "To sing in Brisbane with José Carreras, the Queensland Symphony Orchestra and this remarkable line-up will be an unforgettable experience."
For Australian music icon Darren Hayes, who grew up in Brisbane before finding international fame with Savage Garden and as a solo artist, the concert represents an emotional homecoming. "Queensland is home, so returning to Brisbane for an event of this scale feels deeply personal," he said. "To stand onstage at The Gabba as part of José Carreras' 80th-birthday celebration is a genuine full-circle moment for me."
Australian tenor Mark Vincent said the scale and diversity of the concert would make it a remarkable musical occasion. "Queensland audiences have a real warmth and a wonderful appreciation for live music. I'm thrilled to return to Brisbane for a concert that brings classical music, rock and pop together on such an extraordinary scale."
ONE NIGHT. ONE STAGE. A WORLD OF MUSIC.
Exclusively curated for The Gabba and presented by Quintessential Queensland, Carreras & Friends will be far more than a traditional concert. Inspired by the legendary Pavarotti & Friends concerts, the evening will unfold as a seamless musical journey, with Carreras personally guiding audiences through an extraordinary series of collaborations, duets, solo performances and surprise musical moments. With the Queensland Symphony Orchestra adding its magnificent sound to the occasion, the concert promises a rare collision of musical worlds, from opera's most celebrated voices to global pop and rock royalty.
At the heart of it all will be a Brisbane band, standing proudly on its home turf, welcoming the world. As Sheppard puts it: "We've always been incredibly proud to say we're a Brisbane band, and now we get to share our city with this extraordinary group of artists. Carreras & Friends is going to put Brisbane on one enormous musical stage for one night. We can't wait to show everyone what a Brisbane crowd can do."
CARRERAS & FRI
