Aussie duo Royel Otis return to homeland following global success

The surprise stars of Aussie music are back on home soil after an unforgettable 10 month global tour, and they’re not done yet.

The surprise stars of Aussie music are back on home soil after an unforgettable 10 month global tour, and they’re not done yet.

Royel Otis, a guitar-pop duo made of Royel Maddell and Otis Pavlovic, are making their triumphant return to Sydney with a sold-out show at the iconic Hordern Pavilion.

The return comes on the back of a whirlwind tour across the UK, Europe, and the US, followed by a performance on Jimmy Kimmel Live, all while dominating charts worldwide.

“It’s strange, quiet and numb being back,” Pavlovic told The Daily Telegraph.

“Kind of nothing changes, you come back and it’s the exact same. I did miss it a little bit.”

Australian guitar-pop duo Royal Otis, Otis Pavlovic and Royel Maddell at The Beaver Dining Parlour in Bondi. Picture: Richard Dobson

Known for their hit covers of “Murder on the Dancefloor” and “Linger”, what makes the indie pop duo different from the rest at first glance is Maddell, the member who never shows his face.

Often covered by his newly bright red hair, the singer doesn’t shield himself for privacy, instead his own insecurities.

“It makes it easier to pick pictures, I always look okay because you don’t see this f****** crooked nose and fat a** head,” Maddell admitted.

Ensuring it doesn’t hurt his neck, the guitarist said it keeps him most relaxed.

Royel Maddell frequent pose, with his face covered. Picture: Richard Dobson

Back at the beginning while reflecting on 2024, the biggest year for their career, the duo spoke to this masthead at the place they met over five years ago, The Stuffed Beaver, a small pub in Bondi.

“Everyone says time flies when you’re having fun or busy but wow it feels like February was three years ago. Some will call it a break but it’s probably more of a breakdown,” Pavlovic laughed.

Royel Otis. Picture: Alex Wall

Taking home four ARIAS and eight nominations after the release of their debut album in February, the pair are back for their Sydney show this Saturday and are looking forward to Christmas break, followed by making new music.

“That’s the fun part, working on recordings and writing, I mean it’s all fun but you get to stay in one place, get used to one bed and it’s the best because we never get to spend that much time on it.,” Pavolic said.