Damien Leith comes to Laycock St

Nineteen years ago, Damien Leith was just another young hopeful, nudged by two friends to try his luck at the Australian Idol auditions in Sydney.

He went on to win the competition in 2006 and will bring his reflections on the years since to Laycock Street Community Theatre on October 3.

“It was purely by chance,” he said.

“Two friends encouraged me to go and do the audition and I literally left their apartment and went straight into Sydney to audition.

“I never thought in my wildest dreams that it would lead to the past 19 years – it’s been incredible.”

That spur-of-the-moment decision changed everything.

The Irish-born singer-songwriter would go on to capture the hearts of Australians with his golden tenor, his humble charm, and a catalogue of songs that resonated deeply with audiences.

Now, nearly two decades on, Leith is looking back on that remarkable journey with his new solo show, The Best So Far — an intimate evening of stories and songs drawn from a career that has seen him sell almost 800,000 albums, release 11 albums and three novels, and win an ARIA.

Over the years, Leith has collected plenty of highlights – from collaborating with Barbara Orbison in Nashville on his acclaimed album Roy: A Tribute to Roy Orbison, to writing alongside some of his musical idols.

But it’s the live shows that remain closest to his heart.

“Really, the biggest highlights are the live shows,” he said.

“That’s what it’s all about; I love performing, and the fact that I get to do it for a job is a dream come true.”

The Best So Far will revisit the songs that made him a household name on Idol, pay homage to Roy Orbison, and showcase the originals that have defined his career.

More than just a concert, it is a personal reflection on 19 years in the spotlight, told with the warmth and sincerity that have become Leith’s trademark.

Damien Leith presents The Best So Far at 7.30pm on Friday, October 3, at the Laycock St theatre, North Gosford.

Book at laycockstreettheatre.com