In 2003, a farmer from the Central West region of NSW stepped into an audition room in Sydney and wowed judges Mark Holden, Marcia Hines, and Ian “Dicko” Dickson, during the inaugural season of national singing competition Australian Idol.

His beautiful rendition of Hold Me In Your Arms by Victorian band Southern Sons was met with resounding acclaim, and the declaration that “Australia will love you”.

Soon, he attracted a legion of adoring fans, and after being announced as the runner-up on Season 1 of the reality TV series, Shannon Noll quickly established himself as one of the most recognisable and iconic performers in the country.

He is the only Australian male artist in national ARIA (Australian Recording Industry Association) chart history to have achieved 10 consecutive top 10 singles, and his debut single What About Me was certified 4 x platinum.

What About Me was also the highest selling single in Australia in 2004.

This year, Noll is hitting the road for the first time in over a decade as part of his That’s What I’m Talking About 20th Anniversary Tour, and sharing his music, including a variety of old favourites and new releases, with audiences throughout rural and regional Australia.

On November 9, Noll will journey to the Clarence Valley and perform at the Saraton Theatre in Grafton.

Recently, he caught up with the Clarence Valley Independent and spoke about how much he is looking forward to stepping onto the stage in one of the most famous venues in Northern NSW, adding fans can anticipate an authentic show which encompasses a mixture of songs from his debut album (That’s What I’m Talking About), an acoustic breakdown, and some of his more recent hit singles.

“I’m really excited to be touring again, especially since this tour is centred on and around a lot of rural and regional Australian communities,” he said.

“I’ve done a block of shows already, and they’ve been so much fun.

“Growing up in the bush myself, I fully understand how difficult it is for people in country areas to get to a show in the city, and that’s another reason why I love visiting rural and regional places, because I try and go to the fans instead of having them do a long-haul trip.

“People really appreciate the effort and the opportunity to go to a show that isn’t far from home.

“I’m really enjoying reminiscing about my early music and playing songs from my first album again as they bring back a lot of memories, and it’s also been great seeing fans who have been following me and supporting me for the past 20 years.

“Mate, that’s pretty special.”

Born in Orange, the youngest of three children to parents Neil and Sharon Noll, he spent his early childhood and adolescent years on the family farm and felt a strong connection to the land that ran as deep as his passion for music.

He formed a band named Cypress with his brothers Adam and Damian, and they gained a loyal fanbase playing in country pubs and outback venues where they performed original sets along with numerous covers.

Following his father’s tragic passing in a farming accident in 2001 and years of consistently dry weather which had a devastating impact on his family’s livelihood, Noll decided to audition for Australian Idol.

With a fiancée and two young sons to support, his arrival in the mainstream music industry also heralded the prominent beginning of an illustrious career.

“I grew up listening to Kenny Rogers, Cold Chisel, Bon Jovi and John Williamson, and music has always been a part of my life,” Noll explained.

“Auditioning for Australian Idol, it opened the door to new experiences and opportunities, and I absolutely cannot believe it’s been 20 years.

“My whole career has been possible because of it.”

While Clarence Valley fans will be able to sing along to some of their favourite tunes including Shine, Lift, and Drive, Noll said his upcoming performance will also include storytelling and sharing plenty of laughs with his audience.

“I think as well, with this tour being a 20 year celebration since That’s What I’m Talking About was released, it’s also going to be very nostalgic,” he explained.

To purchase a ticket to see Shannon Noll at the Saraton Theatre in November, please visit www.saraton.com.

This article appeared in the Clarence Valley Independent, 9 October 2024.