'Most euphoric night of my life': The Cat Empire's Tassie connection

Tasmania holds some very special memories for The Cat Empire's Felix Riebl.

Riebl's trademark vocals and joyous stage presence have helped make the band one of Australia's most popular live music acts.

As the band gears up for its second TSO collaboration this September, he says Tasmania is where this generation of the band was 'rebirthed'.

And it’s also where the group played its ‘coldest gig on record’.

'Our first show for this generation of the band was in Tassie at Forth Pub, and that will forever be a landmark moment, the state rebirthed us! I think it was one of the most euphoric nights of my life,' Riebl says.

‘Tassie holds a special place in our hearts. Over the years we've played most of the theatres, and some really stunning outdoor stages. The audience has always been right up for the live Cat Empire experience, and now we're getting the chance to play to the kids of early fans, which is pretty special.'

He says the ‘the coldest show we ever did' was in Burnie for a Triple J festival. 'That's some kind of record, but we had an absolute blast,' Riebl says.

The Cat Empire will return to Tasmania for a special encore performance with the TSO on Friday 25 September 2026, bringing a ‘joyous, cinematic celebration’ to MyState Bank Arena.

It follows the band’s sold-out collaboration with the TSO in 2024.

‘I've always been a massive fan of the TSO – they play with a grit and sophistication that makes them really unique. Their approach and energy as an orchestra is very aligned with ours as a band and there’s mutual respect and genuine enjoyment in the collaboration. I can't wait to do it again!’ Riebl says.

He says the band is pumped to be heading south once again.

‘I've had some remarkable experiences in Tassie over the years in nature - hiking, swimming, road tripping - but also culturally at some of the amazing exhibitions, festivals, and restaurants I've visited. It's a magical and immense place. In terms of a personal tradition, fresh oysters and drink at dusk is pretty hard to pass up when I'm there,’ Riebl says.