WADE FORSTER RIDES A BIG YEAR INTO TAMWORTH 2026
John Ross
BY JOHN ROSS PEARCE SCHARNBERG
Australian country singer Wade Forster has arrived at the 54th Tamworth Country Music Festival riding the momentum of what he calls a “huge year”, after selling out shows in the United States and earning multiple Golden Guitar nominations.
Speaking to Ngaarda Radio, TEABBA Radio and Ngarralinyi Radio during a live broadcast from Tamworth, Forster reflected on the rapid rise that followed the release of his 22-track album Gooseneck Party.
“2025 was definitely one for the books,” he said.
“It felt wild to see how far I’d come in ten years — from finishing school to playing sold-out shows in the States and dropping a record like that.”
Forster, who was born in Winton, Queensland, grew up immersed in rodeo and cowboy culture before moving to Mount Isa in 2017. It was there he bought his first guitar, taught himself to play, and began writing songs grounded in working-class life and regional Australia.
That honesty has found an audience well beyond home. During his most recent US tour, Forster sold out 15 of 17 shows.
“We didn’t sell out two,” he said.
“But not many people sell out one. We’ve already sold out another show over there and we haven’t even landed yet.”
He credits social media — and a shift in mindset after winning Toyota Star Maker in 2024 — for helping turn momentum into a career.
“I feel like I had all the tools, I just didn’t know the business side,” he said.
“Star Maker helped me set myself up properly. It opens the doors — but you’ve still got to walk through them.”
This year, Forster has picked up multiple Golden Guitar nominations across categories including new talent, collaboration and heritage song.
“To be nominated is a good feeling,” he said.
“But for me, awards aren’t as important as the music. Win or lose, I’m still smiling.”
Away from the stage, he is also using the festival to support charity work with Ronald McDonald House, wearing a hand-painted guitar, jacket and tie designed by children staying at the Newcastle facility.
Among his standout performances of the past year, Forster singled out Cain’s Ballroom in Tulsa, Oklahoma — a venue steeped in country music history.
“That gig made me go, yeah, I want this,” he said.
“I want it bad, and no one’s going to stop me.”
Back in Tamworth, Forster is set to headline a sold-out show at The Longyard Hotel — a favourite haunt for rodeo riders and country musicians — for the second year running.
“Pure cowboy chaos,” he said, when asked what fans could expect.
New music is also on the way, with Forster confirming another album is close to release and will include collaborations with Australian, New Zealand and American artists.
“I can’t say too much,” he said.
“But it’s coming very, very soon.”
Forster’s set wraps up with the song many now associate with his rise — Last of a Dying Breed — a title he wears with pride.