Jon Stevens is back with his latest solo album “Shimmer” and also reveals plans for the Summer of Love Rockfest.
Jon Stevens makes a triumphant return with Shimmer, his latest solo album released after a seven-year hiatus, signaling a new phase in his long-standing rock career. The album launch coincides with the announcement of the 2026 Summer of Love Rockfest tour, which will feature Stevens alongside well-known bands Wolfmother and The Screaming Jets.
Shimmer consists of eleven tracks that highlight Stevens’ distinctive vocal prowess and exceptional songwriting abilities. Recorded with a skilled group of longtime collaborators, the album reaffirms Stevens’ musical legacy that dates back over forty years. His journey in the music industry began in 1980 with the release of his debut album Jezebel, which achieved gold status in New Zealand and produced two chart-topping singles. Subsequently relocating to Australia, Stevens made a significant impact as a prominent figure in the pub rock scene of the 1980s.
In 1986, Stevens launched the band Noiseworks, solidifying his position in Australian rock history. Over the years, Noiseworks released three platinum-selling albums, delivering hit songs such as Take Me Back, Touch, and Hot Chilli Woman, which garnered widespread acclaim on Australian airwaves and live music venues. Known for their high-energy performances, Noiseworks, led by Stevens’ dynamic vocals, earned a place alongside iconic bands like INXS, Cold Chisel, and Midnight Oil during the late 1980s and early 1990s.
Stevens expanded his artistic horizons in 1992 by portraying Judas in the Australian production of Jesus Christ Superstar alongside industry veterans like John Farnham and Kate Ceberano. The cast album topped the ARIA charts, becoming the best-selling Australian record of the year. Notably, Stevens later took on the monumental task of fronting INXS following the untimely passing of Michael Hutchence, recording the single I Get Up and touring globally before embarking on his solo endeavors.
Throughout his career, Stevens has continuously pushed artistic boundaries, releasing albums that traverse various genres from soul to R&B and roots rock. Notable works such as Are U Satisfied (1993), Changing Times (2011), Woman (2015), and Starlight (2017) demonstrate his versatility and willingness to experiment. Starlight, a collaborative effort with Dave Stewart of Eurythmics, achieved significant commercial success, debuting at number 16 on the ARIA chart.
With the release of Shimmer, Stevens continues to evolve artistically, blending raw intensity with melodic sensibilities and a reflective maturity befitting a seasoned musician. The album’s title track, which came out earlier this year, harks back to Stevens’ classic sound characterized by soaring vocals and bold guitar work.
To celebrate the album launch, Stevens is set to hit the road for the Summer of Love Rockfest, a nationwide tour promising an electrifying revival of the classic Australian rock festival experience. Alongside Stevens, the tour will feature modern rock powerhouses Wolfmother, led by Andrew Stockdale, and The Screaming Jets, known for their high-octane live performances and chart-topping hits.
The Summer of Love Rockfest tour dates include stops in Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth (excluding The Screaming Jets), and Sydney, offering fans a chance to witness a diverse range of rock acts spanning generations. Tickets for the tour are set to go on sale on October 10, promising an unforgettable live music experience for rock enthusiasts across the country.