20th Anniversary Australian Tour – 19 May 2026 at The Astor Theatre Perth Western Australia.

Review by Sheldon Ang

photography by Sheldon Ang Photography

For more than two decades, KT Tunstall has carved out a singular space in the singer‑songwriter world. A Scottish artist (living in the USA) whose blend of folk, pop, rock, and looping wizardry has made her both instantly recognisable and endlessly adaptable. Since breaking through with Eye to the Telescope in 2004, she’s built a reputation as a dynamic live performer: part storyteller, part one‑woman band, part guitar‑slinging force of nature. Her songs have travelled the world, her sound has evolved across multiple albums, and her stagecraft has only sharpened with time.

The last time we saw KT was exactly at this time last year, when she was supporting Train. We also learn that KT is deaf in one ear, but that didn’t effect her musicality whatsoever. This time, she returned to Perth to kick off her Australian tour, marking two decades since Eye to the Telescope – the seminal piece that introduced her to the world.

KT Tunstall in Perth. Photo: Sheldon Ang / Sheldon Ang Media

She opened with “Other Side of the World,” a gentle, shimmering start that immediately softened the room. It’s a song that carries a certain nostalgia, and KT delivered it with a quiet sincerity that made the crowd settle into the moment. No theatrics, no over‑production, just her voice, her guitar, and that unmistakable emotional clarity she’s always had. It was the perfect entry point into a set that balanced intimacy with energy, reflection with release. It was perhaps the second most recognisable song of her discography.

Supporting her onstage were two standout musicians who elevated the entire night: Casey Barnes on drums, Kathleen Halloran on guitar and Joel Gottschalk on Bass. Barnes brought a warm, organic pulse to the set, never overpowering, always serving the song. His drumming added a subtle backbone to the early material, giving tracks like “Miniature Disasters” and “Under the Weather” a rhythmic lift without losing their acoustic charm. Halloran was fluid, expressive, and beautifully textured, weaving around KT’s playing with a kind of intuitive musical conversation. There were times when KT flirted with her musicians, oozing that rock vibe.

KT Tunstall in Perth. Photo: Sheldon Ang / Sheldon Ang Media

From there, KT moved through a curated slice of her early catalogue, touching on the emotional textures of Eye to the Telescope without falling into predictable nostalgia. She spoke of her late physicist father and shared a touching memory from her childhood, recalling how her father used to take her to visit a telescope in St Andrews. “Under the Weather” – where she dedicated the song to Margaret River, and “Miniature Disasters” arrived with a looseness that felt fresh. KT’s ability to shift between vulnerability and rhythmic punch remains one of her greatest strengths, and the Perth crowd responded to every turn.

Her stage presence was witty, self‑aware, and delightfully unfiltered. Between songs, she shared stories with the kind of comedic timing that made the room feel smaller, more intimate. We heard the encouragement of Dave Grohl of the Foo Fighters. Whether she was laughing at herself, reflecting on the early days of her career, or riffing off audience reactions, she kept the energy buoyant and personal. It’s a rare skill: the ability to make a theatre feel like a living room without losing the momentum of a live show.

Sheldon Ang Media would like to thank Maric Media, Destroy All Lines and KT Tunstall for the accreditation.

KT Tunstall in Perth. Photo: Sheldon Ang / Sheldon Ang Media

The night’s first major eruption came with “Suddenly I See,” – perhaps the most recognisable hit of the night. The opening riff triggered an instant wave of recognition, and Perth responded with full‑throated enthusiasm. KT leaned into the moment, letting the crowd take the chorus while she drove the rhythm with her trademark percussive guitar work. It was joyful, communal, and effortlessly electric. “Typically, this song is played at the end.” But that didn’t matter.

KT threaded in deeper cuts and fan favourites with a sense of purpose, shaping the night’s emotional arc with care. “Silent Sea” brought a moment of stillness, her voice floating over the room with a kind of fragile strength. “False Alarm” carried a rawness that felt almost confessional. And “Universe & U” shimmered with a dreamy, atmospheric quality that showcased her ability to create space within a song.

KT Tunstall in Perth. Photo: Sheldon Ang / Sheldon Ang Media

That was the end of the album setlist.

The encore shifted gears entirely, leaning into a more rock‑driven sonic landscape. It opened with a standout moment: Kathleen Halloran stepping forward to take lead vocals on “Wolves Like You.” Her voice, warm, smoky, and quietly commanding, brought a completely different emotional colour to the song. KT, Casey, and Joel shared a mic, letting Halloran own the spotlight while she added harmonies and rhythmic support. Halloran’s delivery was confident and soulful, so much of sass, her vocals and poise were as teasing as ever.

From there, the encore surged into full rock territory. “Little Favours” and “The River” arrived with a darker, more muscular edge, driven by Barnes’ punchy drumming and Halloran’s gritty guitar tones. “Saving My Face” hit with unexpected power, its themes of resilience and self‑preservation underscored by a bold, full‑band arrangement. “Push That Knot Away” brought a final burst of rhythmic fire, with KT and Halloran trading lines in a way that felt almost like a call‑and‑response duel.

We shall see you soon.

KT Tunstall is touring across Australia and New Zealand. Tickets are available from Destroy All Lines.

Sheldon Ang Media would like to thank Maric Media, Destroy All Lines and KT Tunstall for the accreditation

KT Tunstall in Perth. Photo: Sheldon Ang / Sheldon Ang Media

KT Tunstall in Perth. Photo: Sheldon Ang / Sheldon Ang Media
Kathleen Halloran at KT Tunstall in Perth. Photo: Sheldon Ang / Sheldon Ang Media
KT Tunstall in Perth. Photo: Sheldon Ang / Sheldon Ang Media
KT Tunstall in Perth. Photo: Sheldon Ang / Sheldon Ang Media
KT Tunstall in Perth. Photo: Sheldon Ang / Sheldon Ang Media
KT Tunstall in Perth. Photo: Sheldon Ang / Sheldon Ang Media
KT Tunstall in Perth. Photo: Sheldon Ang / Sheldon Ang Media
KT Tunstall in Perth. Photo: Sheldon Ang / Sheldon Ang Media
KT Tunstall in Perth. Photo: Sheldon Ang / Sheldon Ang Media
KT Tunstall in Perth. Photo: Sheldon Ang / Sheldon Ang Media
KT Tunstall in Perth. Photo: Sheldon Ang / Sheldon Ang Media

Setlist 2026

Other Side of the World

Another Place to Fall

Under the Weather

Miniature Disasters

Silent Sea

Universe & U

False Alarm

Suddenly I See

Eye to the Telescope

Stoppin’ the Love

Heal Over

Through the Dark

Black Horse and the Cherry Tree

Encore

Wolves (sung by Kathleen Halloran) — KIN (2016)

Little Favours — Drastic Fantastic (2007)

The River — WAX (2018)

Look At Me Now — Invisible Empire // Crescent Moon (2013)

Saving My Face — Drastic Fantastic (2007)

Push That Knot Away — Tiger Suit (2010)

The Healer — NUT (2022)

About the writer/photographer: The founder of Perth-based Sheldon Ang Media (est. May 2022) has been accredited to more than 250 of the hottest acts including Taylor Swift (ERAS Tour in Sydney), Coldplay (Perth), AD/DC, Metallica, KISS, RHCP, P!NK and Suzi Quatro (pictured) with reviews shared by the likes of Belinda Carlisle, Roxette, Tina Arena, UB40, Delta Goodrem, and Tina Arena on social media. He has interviewed the late Ace Frehley (KISS), John Steel (The Animals), Frank Ferrer (Guns N Roses), Phil X (Bon Jovi), Andrew Farris (INXS) plus over 100 artists. He’s also a contributor on Triple M Radio as a music journalist