Half a century after first hitting the airwaves, singer/songwriter Richard Clapton remains one of Australia’s most essential voices. From the era-defining ‘Girls on the Avenue’ to anthems like ‘Capricorn Dancer’ and ‘Deep Water’, Clapton has long mastered the art of turning raw emotion and political edge into melodic, radio-ready rock.

A peer to the likes of Jackson Browne and Springsteen, he paved the way for generations of Aussie songwriters to speak their truth — and sound unmistakably local while doing it. His other iconic songs – ‘I Am An Island’, ‘The Best Years of Our Lives’, ‘Lucky Country’, ‘Glory Road’ – have also provided the soundtrack to endless Australian summers.

Ten years after his first release, Richard Clapton was an elder to whom younger artists like Jimmy Barnes, INXS and Cold Chisel turned as a mentor. INXS asked Clapton to produce their second album, ‘Underneath the Colours’, and they became firm friends. They, and Cold Chisel, returned the favour on Clapton’s ‘The Great Escape ‘album. INXS drummer Jon Farriss produced ‘The Glory Road’ album, few records capture the roller coaster ride of the late 1980s as well as ‘Glory Road’.

Richard Clapton, now in his 50th year since his first album, ‘Prussian Blue’ in 1974, shows no signs of slowing down. He has released over 20 albums which have cumulatively sold over one million copies. In 1999 he was inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame. Clapton’s songs are still omnipresent on the radio. His records chart the political landscape of the nation and the turbulent lives of two generations.

In September 2025 he played his 20th sell-out concert in as many years at Sydney’s iconic State Theatre – The Best Years of Our Lives’ – a career-spanning performance that reaffirmed his status as a national treasure. Join him at MEMO to experience the talent of this legend of Australian Music.

RICHARD CLAPTON WEBSITE