News

Final shows of the original line-up on sale now

Tuesday, September 21, 2021

After 20 incredible years, we will celebrate the final shows of the original line-up of The Cat Empire in December 2021. Tickets to final shows in Queensland, Victoria, and *Western Australia, as well as tickets to access our virtual concert of the final event are on sale now. The party will get started with a special piano solo set from our very own Ollie McGill before we move into two hours of The Cat Empire. We are planning a set-lit jam-packed with favourite songs from our entire career. Join us for an unforgettable celebration with plenty of reflection and immeasurable joy.

A message from Dj & percussionist, Jamshid (Dj Jumps) Khadiwala

Monday, September 20, 2021

As my time with The Cat Empire ends, I am filled with sadness but also pure joy in what we have experienced and achieved.

Thank you, Felix, Harry, Ollie, Ryan, Willy, for a musical journey I could never have imagined. As a scratch DJ, I was truly embraced, encouraged and heard—a humbling experience being surrounded by such phenomenal musicians for 20 years. Harry, your musical spirit and loving nature has been such a joy. Always pushing me/us to be the musicians we truly are, creating unforgettable moments on stage and so much joy through your songs. Thank you.

A message from front-man & percussionist, Felix Riebl

Sunday, September 19, 2021

The first time I ever played a show with Ollie, Ryan, Harry, Will, and Jumps, something just took off. We were young. It was chaotic and magic. The crowd danced, they lost themselves, and so did we. I remember going outside after the set, and the night sky had never looked so alive. I won’t forget the 20-year adventure we’ve been on since. It’s taken us around the world. It’s collided us with hundreds of musicians, festivals, characters, fire-born nights, places to record our songs… and it’s introduced us to you, our most amazing audience.

I’m taking this moment to pause and give my love and respect to those original departing members Ryan,

A message from pianist, Ollie McGill

Saturday, September 18, 2021

The Cat Empire started as a duo, just Felix and me, a product of many late-night conversations on how we could explore music in a different way. We had an idea that we could switch the roles of the instruments in the band – the piano could supply the rhythm, the percussion could play the melodies. A beast was born, and as the band expanded, the music grew wilder. Harry, Jumps, Ryan, Will,

Felix, and I have shared some real magic on stage, creating some musical moments greater than the sum of the parts, and they will never be forgotten.

A message from drummer, Will Hull-Brown

Friday, September 17, 2021

Twenty years ago, I answered the phone in my parent’s lounge room, and it was Felix on the line. He asked me to join his new band called ‘The Cat Empire’. I was hesitant, as I didn’t know what I wanted to do with my life. Felix was persistent, and I thank him for that because what unfolded next was an incredible whirlwind of music-making and touring the world, sharing the whole experience with amazing people far and wide.

Life evolves, however, and after all this time, I am leaving the band. I am ready for the next chapter.

A message from vocalist & trumpeter, Harry Angus

Thursday, September 16, 2021

It’s been a wonderful 20 years of making music with masterful musicians – connecting with audiences around the world – travelling to far-flung places – and being a part of the wild, chaotic energy that can arise, from time to time, at a concert of The Cat Empire. I’m not sure exactly where this chaotic energy came from – it always felt like more than the sum of its parts – but it came from the musicians, and the audience, and a whole lot of work behind the scenes, and from a spirit of improvisation and exploration.

I’m sad to leave the band,

The Cat Empire announces major career milestone

Thursday, September 16, 2021

After 20 incredible years of touring and making music together, we have made the decision to disband, and to make way for a new incarnation of The Cat Empire to come to life fronted by Felix Riebl and Ollie McGill.

Will Hull-Brown (Drums), Ryan Monro (Bass-departed the band March 2021), Harry Angus (Vox/Trumpet), Jamshid (Dj Jumps) Khadiwala (Decks/Percussion), and our career-long Manager Correne Wilkie will all be celebrating final moments with The Cat Empire in December 2021.

At this juncture, Felix (Front-man/Percussion) and Ollie (Keys) will take the band forward into its next global chapter as a re-imagined,