Adrian Payne
Adrian Payne is one of Australia’s most versatile and enduring performers.
Across the seventies, eighties and nineties, he fronted both rock and country bands, performed extensively as a solo artist, and appeared in Jesus Christ Superstar, understudying both the Jesus and Judas roles.
He later toured nationally with the Tommy Emmanuel Band, supported Joan Armatrading at the Sydney Entertainment Centre, and shared the stage with international icons Jerry Lee Lewis, Chuck Berry and The Everly Brothers as part of Col Joye’s Legends of Rock.
Along the way, Adrian’s voice and guitar became a familiar presence on concert stages, television, recording sessions and film soundtracks, working alongside artists including Slim Dusty, Tom Jones, Marcia Hines, Grace Knight, Jon English and Doug Parkinson.
While his career has spanned multiple genres, Adrian has long-standing roots in country music. His ability to interpret songs of place, people and resilience continues to resonate with audiences.
Since mid-2023, Adrian has been collaborating with award-winning lyricist Bruce Mackay (Mack Country), bringing a fresh chapter of Australian country storytelling to his catalogue through a growing body of co-written releases.
Adrian Payne remains a compelling artist whose experience, versatility and authenticity continue to connect with audiences across generations.