ArtistDirect News
Ben Lee and Georgia Maq Announce Intimate National Theatre Tour Two Most Annoying People You Love for September-October 2026
Ben Lee and Georgia Maq are teaming up for a 13‑city national theatre run that will launch on 23 September 2026 and close on 2 October 2026. Titled Two Most Annoying People You Love, the tour will see the two singer‑songwriters share the stage for the entire duration of each show, weaving together tracks from their individual catalogues, covers, and fresh material from upcoming projects. Tickets for the tour will go on sale at 11:00 am AEST on Thursday 25 June 2026.
The show departs from the conventional co‑headline format that splits a set into two halves. Instead, Lee and Maq will perform side‑by‑side throughout, backing each other, revisiting lesser‑known songs, and re‑imagining familiar hits. The pair have said the concert will showcase the creative partnership that has grown from years of friendship and collaboration. Lee told reporters, "Georgia is one of my favorite songwriters, and favorite people. Can’t wait to invite the audience into our friendship, into our world," while Maq added, "I love Ben so much and I’m so excited to interpolate our songs together in a new and weird way."
The concept taps into a broader trend among established musicians to offer more intimate, theatre‑based experiences that foreground songwriting and storytelling over large‑scale production. By performing in venues such as the Princess Theatre in Brisbane and the City Recital Hall in Sydney, the duo aim to create a close‑knit atmosphere that encourages audience engagement and lets the songs breathe.
Lee, born 11 September 1978, launched his career with the Sydney band Noise Addict before embarking on a solo path in 1995. His releases—including Grandpaw Would, Breathing Tornados, and the commercially successful Awake Is The New Sleep, which produced hits such as "Catch My Disease" and "Gamble Everything For Love"—have spanned indie rock, folk, electronic experimentation, children’s music, and collaborative projects. His latest studio work, This One’s For The Old Headz, continues that prolific output.
Maq, formerly the lead singer of Melbourne trio Camp Cope, carved a distinct solo identity after the band’s disbandment in 2023. Her debut solo album Pleaser (2019) showcased a more personal and experimental approach, followed by releases such as Live At The Sydney Opera House and God’s Favourite. In addition to her music career, Maq returned to nursing during the COVID‑19 pandemic, a fact that has added a unique dimension to her public profile.
The collaboration bridges two eras of Australian independent music. Lee emerged during the 1990s boom, while Maq represents a newer generation navigating identity, community, and industry culture in the streaming age. Both artists have built careers around personal songwriting and a willingness to challenge expectations.
The tour schedule is as follows: - 23 Sep 2026 – Brisbane, Princess Theatre - 24 Sep 2026 – Melbourne, Melbourne Recital Centre - 25 Sep 2026 – Sydney, City Recital Hall - 26 Sep 2026 – Milton, Milton Theatre - 29 Sep 2026 – Perth, The Rechabite - 30 Sep 2026 – Fremantle, Freo Social - 1 Oct 2026 – Adelaide, Hindley Street Music Hall - 2 Oct 2026 – Canberra, Canberra Theatre
Tickets will be available to the general public from 11:00 am AEST on 25 June 2026. The tour promises a rare opportunity to witness two of Australia’s most distinctive songwriters share a stage in a format designed specifically around collaboration, with new material offering hints of their forthcoming recording projects.
The announcement underscores the enduring appeal of intimate live performances and the continued relevance of independent artists who prioritize songwriting and artistic authenticity over mainstream conventions.
The show departs from the conventional co‑headline format that splits a set into two halves. Instead, Lee and Maq will perform side‑by‑side throughout, backing each other, revisiting lesser‑known songs, and re‑imagining familiar hits. The pair have said the concert will showcase the creative partnership that has grown from years of friendship and collaboration. Lee told reporters, "Georgia is one of my favorite songwriters, and favorite people. Can’t wait to invite the audience into our friendship, into our world," while Maq added, "I love Ben so much and I’m so excited to interpolate our songs together in a new and weird way."
The concept taps into a broader trend among established musicians to offer more intimate, theatre‑based experiences that foreground songwriting and storytelling over large‑scale production. By performing in venues such as the Princess Theatre in Brisbane and the City Recital Hall in Sydney, the duo aim to create a close‑knit atmosphere that encourages audience engagement and lets the songs breathe.
Lee, born 11 September 1978, launched his career with the Sydney band Noise Addict before embarking on a solo path in 1995. His releases—including Grandpaw Would, Breathing Tornados, and the commercially successful Awake Is The New Sleep, which produced hits such as "Catch My Disease" and "Gamble Everything For Love"—have spanned indie rock, folk, electronic experimentation, children’s music, and collaborative projects. His latest studio work, This One’s For The Old Headz, continues that prolific output.
Maq, formerly the lead singer of Melbourne trio Camp Cope, carved a distinct solo identity after the band’s disbandment in 2023. Her debut solo album Pleaser (2019) showcased a more personal and experimental approach, followed by releases such as Live At The Sydney Opera House and God’s Favourite. In addition to her music career, Maq returned to nursing during the COVID‑19 pandemic, a fact that has added a unique dimension to her public profile.
The collaboration bridges two eras of Australian independent music. Lee emerged during the 1990s boom, while Maq represents a newer generation navigating identity, community, and industry culture in the streaming age. Both artists have built careers around personal songwriting and a willingness to challenge expectations.
The tour schedule is as follows: - 23 Sep 2026 – Brisbane, Princess Theatre - 24 Sep 2026 – Melbourne, Melbourne Recital Centre - 25 Sep 2026 – Sydney, City Recital Hall - 26 Sep 2026 – Milton, Milton Theatre - 29 Sep 2026 – Perth, The Rechabite - 30 Sep 2026 – Fremantle, Freo Social - 1 Oct 2026 – Adelaide, Hindley Street Music Hall - 2 Oct 2026 – Canberra, Canberra Theatre
Tickets will be available to the general public from 11:00 am AEST on 25 June 2026. The tour promises a rare opportunity to witness two of Australia’s most distinctive songwriters share a stage in a format designed specifically around collaboration, with new material offering hints of their forthcoming recording projects.
The announcement underscores the enduring appeal of intimate live performances and the continued relevance of independent artists who prioritize songwriting and artistic authenticity over mainstream conventions.