-By Kim Parnell-
This New Year’s Eve, award-winning Australian artist Craig Woodward is bringing an unforgettable night of music to the Services Club Maryborough with the Somebody Like You: Keith Urban & Bryan Adams Tribute Show!
When it comes to influences, Keith Urban and Bryan Adams hold a special place in Craig’s heart.
“It’s only fitting I honour them both with a tribute act. Bryan’s soulful ballads and rock anthems have had a profound effect on me.
“I get chills thinking about playing those songs like Heaven and Everything I Do and seeing how much they mean to fans,” said Craig, “Bryan is the king of the power ballad”.
Craig also admires Keith Urban’s guitar work, describing how Urban sings his melodies on guitar; he doesn’t just shred, he plays to the song.
Growing up in the Sutherland Shire in Sydney, Craig led a somewhat sheltered life. But as a budding songwriter, he developed a fascination with how others lived and felt, always observing with curiosity. “If there was a park bench with a ‘Do Not Touch – Wet Paint’ sign, I’d be the one who had to touch it,” he laughs.
By sixteen, he was already a regular on Sydney’s live music scene, sneaking into bars—not to drink but to play. “He recalls with a laugh, “My friends snuck me in so I could get on stage.”
In his early twenties, life took an unexpected turn and Craig joined the police force, balancing daytime duties with nighttime gigs. But after five years, the emotional toll of his work caught up to him, leading to severe PTSD. After leaving the police force Craig literally fell into teaching music which opened up a whole new world for him.
At the time he was feeling a little broken and passed a church aptly named Urban Life Church, it was fate, they called him and invited him to teach music. “I walked in and had about 30 students, now we’ve got nearly 300”.
In 2011, Craig released his self-titled debut album, channelling his personal experiences as a police officer, his curiosity about life, and the whirlwind of relationships he’s encountered along the way. Raised predominately by his mother and two sisters, Craig grew up with strong female influences, which he feels have shaped his connection to his audience.
Craig has shared the stage with Australian icons like Mental As Anything, Shannon Noll, and Ian Moss, who Craig describes as one of his silent heroes.
He is looking forward to bringing his show to Maryborough. The tribute show isn’t just a trip down memory lane—Craig plans to add a few original songs that reflect his journey, like My Way Home, written with musician Anthony Snape, who toured with Tommy Emmanuel. The song is a heartfelt tribute to Craig’s wife and sons, celebrating the love and support they give. “I’ve got everything I ever dreamed of, a beautiful family and a music career,” Craig says, “I am incredibly lucky to have been given the gift of music”.
At the New Year’s Eve show, expect all the big hits from Brian and Keith’s careers, a few of Craig’s originals, and some surprise covers for festive fun as the show is supported by Craig Woodward’s Country Hits! “We want people to book the babysitter, enjoy a meal, have a drink, and get loose. The more energy, the more fun we have.”
After the show, Craig enjoys connecting with fans, adding that personal touch. Plus, one lucky attendee could win a guitar—but you have to be there to enter.
Make this New Year’s Eve a night to remember.
Tickets are available at craigwoodward.com.au
