RAI THISTLETHWAYTE, one of Australia’s most respected musical talents, is heading out on a rare solo tour this July/August. A highly accomplished pianist, guitarist, vocalist and songwriter, Rai will be road-testng some new material and puting a unique spin on some much loved Thirsty Merc songs on his Winter tour.

For those lucky enough to catch his 2009 run of solo shows, you'll remember the
humour and startling spontaneity that goes along with Rai in solo mode. It's
'songwritng season' for Rai and he will be performing brand new songs at these
shows as well as giving an insight into his creatve process. His uncanny ability to
write in real-tme and share fresh ideas with audiences provides a rare insight into
one of Australia's most talented songwritng minds.
As a songwriter Rai has been nominated for APRA Song of The Year and was
appointed an ofcial APRA Ambassador in 2010. As front-man of mult-platnum
Aussie rock band Thirsty Merc he has had several ARIA nominatons, toured
extensively and released a string of hits including 'Someday, Someday', 'In The
Summertme', '20 Good Reasons', 'The Hard Way', 'Mousetrap Heart', 'All My Life',
'Emancipate Myself' and 'My Completeness'.
Enjoying extensive airplay and mult-platnum sales over the course of 3 studio
albums, Rai and his band Thirsty Merc have toured with artsts including Maroon 5
and Matchbox Twenty whose lead singer Rob Thomas commented that Rai's song
'Homesick' made him "jealous as a songwriter'". As a solo artst, Rai is as eclectc as
any and his talent goes far beyond that evident in Thirsty Merc.
As well as his work in rock and pop, Rai has performed in a number of jazz combos
with acclaimed musicians such as ARIA award winning guitarist James Muller, U.S.
jazz bassist Christan McBride (Stng, Wynton Marsalis band), Tenor Saxophonist Dale
Barlow (Art Blakey's jazz messengers) and mult-award winning Phil Stack who also
plays bass in Thirsty Merc. More recently, Rai's songwritng talents have been
tapped by accomplished recording artsts and songwriters overseas. Rai is back in
Australia for a limited tme so catch the always entertaining RAI THISTLETHWAYTE in
candid solo mode this July/August.

As a songwriter Rai has been nominated for APRA Song of The Year and was appointed an official APRA Ambassador in 2010. As front-man of multi-platinum Aussie rock band Thirsty Merc he has had several ARIA nominations, toured extensively and released a string of hits including 'Someday, Someday,' 'In The Summertime,' '20 Good Reasons,' 'The Hard Way,' 'Mousetrap Heart', 'All My Life' 'Emancipate Myself,' and 'My Completeness. 

Enjoying extensive airplay and multi-platinum sales over the course of 3 studio albums, Rai and his band Thirsty Merc have toured with artists including Maroon 5 and Matchbox Twenty whose lead singer Rob Thomas commented that Rai's song 'Homesick' made him "jealous as a songwriter'". As a solo artist, Rai is as eclectic as any and his talent goes far beyond that evident in Thirsty Merc.

As well as his work in rock and pop, Rai has performed in a number of jazz combos with acclaimed musicians such as ARIA award winning guitarist James Muller, U.S. jazz bassist Christian McBride (Sting, Wynton Marsalis band), Tenor Saxophonist Dale Barlow (Art Blakey's jazz messengers) and multi-award winning Phil Stack who also plays bass in Thirsty Merc. More recently, Rai's songwriting talents have been tapped by accomplished recording artists and songwriters overseas. Rai is back in Australia for a limited time so catch the always entertaining RAI THISTLETHWAYTE in candid solo mode this July/August.