Pete Murray performing at three Tasmanian shows for acoustic solo tour

‘I don’t want to get a real job’: Ahead of his Tassie visit, Pete Murray shares why he picked up a guitar at 22 and hasn’t put it down since.

Pete Murray is touring Tasmania this month. Source: Supplied

Pete Murray doesn’t have a preference when it comes to playing to a large crowd or a small crowd, but he sure loves Tasmania.

“I do both and I get to experience both,” he said, adding that he enjoyed both big band shows with people singing along, and intimate shows with people listening to his every word.

The popular Australian singer-songwriter is undertaking a massive national, acoustic tour, which will bring him to Tassie for three shows.

Attendees will hear personal stories about Murray’s musical journey, including the influential person in his life leading him to pick up a guitar at the ripe age of 22.

Pete Murray is touring Tasmania this month. Source: Supplied

He has questioned whether it was “luck or fate” that he picked up the guitar but now after so many years he believes it was fate.

“We all have a destiny to do something, it’s just a matter of trying to find that.”

The Hobart leg of the mammoth 55 date solo-acoustic tour has already sold out and tickets are selling fast for Launceston and Devonport.

Murray is set to perform at the Country Club Showroom, Launceston on May 24 and at Frankie J’s Devonport on May 25.

He recalled playing as an independent artist at the Forth Pub to an estimated five people years ago where he met flautist Col McIntyre, and proceeded to tour with him across the country.

Murray recently re-recorded his 2005 hit Better Days, pulling what he called a “Swiftie”.

Australian singer-songwriter Pete Murray, who will undertake a 56-date solo acoustic tour from May to September 2025. Picture: Ian Laidlaw

Taylor Swift famously re-recorded her original studio albums when she lost ownership of her masters.

Murray updated and tweaked the songs, so they sound slightly different to the originals.

“It’s going to be hard to get past the old version because people have had it for so many years, but a lot of people are saying they love this version.”

He said he hoped people are still listening to his version in 10 years and it brings them memories from the present day, as the 2005 version does today.

Murray told the Mercury his goal was to be a touring musician for as long as possible.

“I don’t want to get a real job.”

Originally published as Pete Murray performing at three Tasmanian shows for acoustic solo tour