Two veterans of Australian reality TV singing competitions have come together to ensure the greatest classics of all-time continue to transcend generations.
Damien Leith and Jason Owen will deliver a powerful night of iconic songs and unforgettable stories at The Joan on Saturday, August 1.
“The classics that we’re performing are by artists that we want to see continue their reign over the music industry,” Leith said.
“Young musicians get so much inspiration from some of these older artists because of the way they wrote their songs and the way they found their lyrics. It’s really important for the next generation.”
Owen told the Weekender that this show means the world to him.
“The joy these songs bring to people across the country is really special,” he said.
“You see people smiling from ear to ear when you’re singing songs from The Righteous Brothers, Bobby Darin, John Denver, Roy Orbison – you name it.
“To be teamed up with Damien is great. He’s a phenomenal singer and we have such a great time on the road performing these songs.”
One artist that Leith enjoys highlighting on-stage is Roy Orbison.
“I recorded an album with his wife 10 years ago over in Nashville, so I have a really strong connection to Roy Orbison and his family. He was definitely a role model and he was so unique,” Leith said.
Meanwhile, Owen’s role model is John Denver.
“I grew up in a little village called Albert about 140 kilometres west of Dubbo where there’s only about 10 people in the town,” he recounted.
“When I used to come home from school, I spent a lot of time with my pop who turns 98 in November this year. He introduced me to John Denver’s music, and I remember him saying to me once that if I could sing John Denver, I could sing anything.
“Now here I am at 32 touring his music, and I wouldn’t change it for the world.”
During the Classic Favourites 2026 tour, the musical mates make time for a yarn between songs.
“The show includes classics, but Jason and I love to have a chat,” Leith said.
“This is a fun show; we don’t take ourselves too seriously. For people coming out, it’s not just for the music, it’s for a fun night.”
The pair consider it an honour to bring the classics to the nation.
“The songwriters that we had in the ‘50s, ‘60s, ‘70s, and ‘80s – you don’t get better than them. The stories were real and the melodies were genius,” Owen said.
“To be able to bring them back to life these days in our own arrangement – whether it’s up close and personal or with an orchestra – is something special.”
Book a ticket to see Damien Leith and Jason Owen perform Classic Favourites 2026 at www.thejoan.com.au/whats-on/damien-leith-and-jason-owen-classic-favourites-2026.
