Jon Pardi’s Epic Aussie Comeback: New Music, Wild Shows & Dodging Shoeys

Having shared stages with Brett Eldredge in 2019, Jon Pardi is gearing up for another unforgettable Australian tour, headlining arenas and taking part in Australia’s largest country music festival CMC Rocks. Ahead of his performances, Pardi sat down for a chat about his upcoming album, his excitement to return to Australia, and the fun that’s sure to unfold on the road.

Jon Pardi’s last trip to Australia in 2019 was a highlight for many fans and himself having performed across various cities and an unforgettable show in the Outback at Winton’s Way Out West Fest. When asked about his excitement for the upcoming tour, Pardi shared his enthusiasm for returning to the country and reconnecting with his Aussie fans.

“I’m excited! It’s always a good time when we’re in Australia. The fans are rowdy, and it’s just a fun time all around,” said Pardi, recalling the high-energy crowds and good times from his previous tours. “The cities were beautiful, and I really loved playing in every city we visited. The fans singing along made it all the more special,” Pardi added.

In addition to the excitement of his return to Australia, Pardi has a brand new album set for release on April 11th, titled Honkytonk Hollywood. The burning question is can Australians fans expect to hear some of the unreleased songs at a show before it’s released? Pardi neither confirmed nor denied that Australian audiences might get a sneak peek at some new music.

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“We’re opening up the show with the title track Honkytonk Hollywood. You’ll definitely hear some of the new tracks, including Heartbreaker and Love the Lights Out’” he revealed. Fans can already listen to these tracks on streaming platforms, giving them a taste of what's to come on the full album.

But Pardi didn’t forget about his classic hits either. “We’ll be mixing in some of the old fan favorites as well. It’s going to be a great mix of new and old music for everyone to enjoy,” he said.

The buzz around Pardi’s new single Honkytonk Hollywood is obvious with the track currently sitting in the top 10 on the Australian country radio charts. Pardi couldn’t be more thrilled about the success of his latest release. “We’re flying high over here. To see a song make it into the top 10 in Australia is amazing. It’s a great feeling knowing the fans are connecting with the music”.

Taking his music to places abroad like Australia and Europe is a humbling experience for Pardi. He expressed that performing around the world allows him to connect with fans and create memories that will last a lifetime.

“It’s an experience, and I always say it’s something you can tell your grandkids about one day,” Pardi said. “I’m able to travel and play music for people who love it. It’s such a gift. What else would I be doing over there if I weren’t on stage performing?”

This year marks Pardi’s debut at CMC Rocks, Australia’s biggest country music festival. With 25,000 rowdy Aussies ready for a good time. “Get ready to dance and have fun. We’ll get you amped up for sure,” he said.

Excited to see what the festival has to offer and to share the stage with fellow performers like Zach Top and Larry Fleet who he’s taking on the road with him across the country. “We’ve got a great line-up for the show. I’ve toured with Larry before, and Zach is a great guy and an amazing talent. It’s going to be a stacked night of music,” Pardi shared. He added that fans can expect an energy-packed show with plenty of surprises along the way.

It would be remiss not to ask about one of the biggest and most unique Australian traditions for country music fans, the infamous “shoey,” where performers drink beer from a fan’s boot. While some artists have embraced the tradition, Pardi made it clear that he’s not a fan.

“I’m definitely not doing a shoey,” Pardi said with a laugh. “I think it’s gross. I’ll leave that to someone else on the tour.”

However, the tradition continues to thrive at festivals like CMC Rocks, where fans often cheer on their favorite artists to partake. “Maybe I’ll fake it. I can pass it off to someone else,” Pardi joked.