There’s no mistaking the timeless pull of Memphis — that hallowed crossroads where soul, rock ‘n’ roll, and blues were stitched together by hands worn from honest work and hearts hungry for change. This May, Australia will catch a living thread from that proud tapestry, as Memphis-born guitar virtuoso Eric Gales lands on our shores to fire up the spirit of the blues once more.
In a vibrant initiative led by Memphis Tourism and proudly supported by United Airlines and the Globus family of brands, Eric Gales is set to headline two exclusive travel trade events in Sydney and Melbourne before lighting up the stage at the Blues on Broadbeach festival.
True to the old spirit of Memphis — where what you hear is as real as the hands that made it — these performances will showcase the deep, heartfelt energy of a city that has never lost its beat.
Eric Gales, whose fingers fly across the fretboard like a man born to the guitar (and many would say he was), will perform for selected travel agents and wholesalers at The Soda Factory in Sydney on 13 May, before heading to The Toff in Melbourne on 15 May. It’s not just a concert — it’s a chance to win extraordinary prizes, including an unforgettable trip to Memphis, Tennessee itself.
And what better incentive could there be? Memphis is not merely a destination. It’s a pilgrimage.
A Living Link to Memphis’ Musical Heritage
Few carry the torch of the Memphis sound as fiercely as Eric Gales. Over a remarkable career spanning three decades and 18 albums, Gales has carved out a sound that dances freely between the raw soul of Albert King and the virtuosic flair of Frank Gambale, all with the showman’s swagger of Hendrix, though comparisons only scratch the surface. As an African-American, left-handed guitarist, Gales embodies the city’s spirit with a unique fusion of blues, rock, and funk that is unmistakably his own.
“This is not just about a performance; it’s about giving the Australian travel trade a true taste of what Memphis means to the world,” said Chris Ingram, Director of Memphis Tourism Australia & New Zealand.
“We’re deeply grateful for the enduring support of United Airlines and the Globus family of brands. Together, we’re celebrating the living influence of Memphis on global music — an influence that refuses to be forgotten,” Ingram continued.
“Through our partnership with Blues on Broadbeach, we’re bridging the passion of Memphis musicians with Australian audiences who have a deep respect and love for authentic blues.”
And in these unsettled times, it’s heartening to see such respect for tradition — and the enduring relationships that keep these cultural ties strong.
An Invitation Worth Tuning Into
The two ‘Live from Memphis with United Airlines and Globus family of brands’ trade events promise an intimate glimpse into Memphis’ heart and soul — complete with prize draws and good, old-fashioned hospitality.
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Sydney: Soda Factory – 13 May, 5:45 pm to 8:30 pm
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Melbourne: The Toff – 15 May, 5:45 pm to 8:30 pm
Travel agents and industry partners are warmly invited to register:
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Sydney Event Registration: Register Here
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Melbourne Event Registration: Register Here
Meanwhile, the main stage awaits, as the Blues on Broadbeach festival — running from 15–18 May 2025 on Queensland’s glorious Gold Coast — promises to once again transform the coastline into a musical celebration of grit, soul and harmony.
More on the festival can be found at Blues on Broadbeach.
For those keen to explore the source of this rich culture, Memphis Tourism’s official travel guide lays out a trail through a city where history hums from every street corner.
Quick Strum of Memphis
Nestled on the banks of the mighty Mississippi River, Memphis is Tennessee’s second-largest city, renowned for its smoky barbecues, rich musical heritage, and pivotal role in America’s civil rights movement. It’s a place where the echoes of B.B. King’s guitar, Elvis Presley’s twang, and Martin Luther King Jr.’s voice still ripple across the cotton fields and neon-lit streets.
With accommodation ranging from grand hotels to cosy inns, and culinary delights well beyond barbecue (though heaven knows the ribs alone are worth the trip), Memphis stands ready to welcome travellers of every persuasion.
Getting There from Australia
Australian travellers are well-connected to Memphis, with United Airlines offering:
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Direct flights from Sydney to Houston with onward connections to Memphis,
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As well as services from Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne via Los Angeles (LAX) or San Francisco (SFO).
For more information about flights, please visit United Airlines Australia.
For escorted tour options combining Memphis with broader US itineraries, visit the Globus family of brands.
Final Chord
As Eric Gales strikes the opening notes on Australian soil this May, he won’t just be bringing the blues — he’ll be getting a legacy. One rooted in history, hardship, hope, and the kind of musical genius that reminds us all why some traditions are too precious to lose.
So, dust off your boots, tune your ears, and open your hearts. Memphis is calling — and it’s coming in loud and clear.
