Roy Orbison Show Takes Ingham’s Centre Stage

Award winning singer Damien Leith is set to bring a very special show to Ingham, showcasing the wonderful music of Roy Orbison. This show however, is far more than just a tribute, encompassing the music of Orbison’s circle such as the Travelling Wilburys as well as special new tracks co-written with Joe Melson – Roy Orbison’s long-time collaborator.

The show is a long time in the making and was formed through incredible circumstances, as an Australian Idol performance of Orbison’s song ‘Crying’, attracted the attention of his widow all the way in Nashville. This led to a series of life-changing events in which Damien was ingratiated into Orbison’s inner circle.

“She called me and said she liked my version. She liked how I made it my own. Three years later she asked me to fly over to Nashville to record an album of his songs in my style to celebrate what would have been his 75^th birthday”, said Damien.

“It was a huge honour. I got to work with a whole bunch of people associated with Roy Orbison.”

As he got acquainted with Orbison’s circle, Damien met Joe Melson, co-writer of some of Orbison’s biggest hits. The two begun a fruitful collaboration, writing songs that are set to appear on the new tour.

“We’ve written a bunch of songs. When people hear it, they get a sense of that era of music, but it also has a new spin”.

The performance is a special solo acoustic showcase. One voice, one guitar, and one incredible repertoire.

“The stripped back nature of the show grants a lot of freedom in the performance. It’s weird – I’ve done shows with a full orchestra but at the same time I found I’m enjoying myself more in these really intimate settings”.

New to the region, Damien is incredibly excited to perform in Ingham for the first time.

“I’ve grown up in regional areas. The reception to music is always really good. Really wholesome.”

Speaking to Damien, we reflected on the amazing legacy of Roy Orbison, as his music continues to receive praise six decades after it was released.

“People still buy CDs. They still come to shows. There are loads of people playing his stuff in different formats. He has a unique voice, and his songwriting was so different.”

Damien Leith promises a night you won’t forget.

WHAT: Damien Leith presenting “Roy Orbison and Friends”
WHEN: Saturday, March 14, 2026
WHERE: Hinchinbrook Shire Hall, Ingham

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Photo supplied

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