Joe Camilleri & The Black Sorrows

The Black Sorrows have been at the forefront of Australian music for over four decades. Led by the charismatic Joe Camilleri – singer/songwriter, sax man, producer, Hall of Famer and eternal road dog – The Black Sorrows have evolved into one of the most sophisticated ensembles in the country, renowned for their high-energy live shows and infectious raw, rootsy rhythms.  

In one form or another, The Black Sorrows have not stopped recording or performing since Joe formed the band in 1984. They have toured Europe numerous times playing songs that have become radio staples like Chained to the Wheel, Harley and Rose, Hold On To Me and Never Let Me Go. There have been multi-platinum albums, worldwide sales of over 3 million albums, ARIA Awards, Hall of Fame honours and an vast catalogue of songs that move effortlessly through blues, soul, R&B, gospel, country and rock.  

At the heart of the The Black Sorrows’ sound, is the enduring songwriting partnership of Camilleri and lyricist Nick Smith that’s lasted over 40 years. Their songs walk the line between personal and universal, streetwise and poetic. Classics like Harley and Rose, Chained to the Wheel, Snake Skin Shoes and Hold On to Me, tracks that shaped Australian radio, remain staples in the live set. In 2024, Nick and Joe were inducted into the Australian Songwriters Hall of Fame.  

But ask their fans what keeps them coming back and the answer is simple: they are extraordinary live. 

“Joe Camilleri and The Black Sorrows have nothing left to prove, but that doesn’t stop them from delivering shows that feel like they’re playing to prove everything. The Black Sorrows are not just a band – they’re a masterclass in musicianship.” Markus Hamence On Your Markus