COUNTRY artist and exceptional storyteller, Luke O’Shea, has been inducted into the 2025 Galaxy of Stars at the Tamworth Country Music Festival.

Tamworth Regional Council reports the 16-time Golden Guitar Winner was on Wednesday presented with the honour during a surprise pop-up on the Toyota FanZone stage at the Toyota 53rd Tamworth Country Music Festival.

The Galaxy of Stars was launched more than 20 years ago by Tamworth Regional Council to honour artists who’ve made a significant contribution to Australia’s music industry.

Born in Sydney on February 28, 1969, O’Shea started his adult life as a schoolteacher, traveling and teaching abroad for eight years. But music was always calling.

In 1998, he formed the band Medicine Wheel, recording two EPs and becoming grand finalists in the Hard Rock Café’s first nationwide Battle of the Bands.

In 2002, the band signed with ABC/Universal Music, releasing No Day Like Today. By then, O’Shea was balancing his music career with life as a husband to his high school sweetheart, Liz, and father to three daughters—Matilda, Skye, and Faith.

Today, with his latest album Different Drum, O’Shea continues to explore Australia’s stories, history, and identity.

Whether solo or with Medicine Wheel, O’Shea remains a festival favourite and a true treasure of Australian music.

Luke O’Shea has been inducted into the 2025 Galaxy of Stars at the Tamworth Country Music Festival.

Festival Manager Barry Harley said O’Shea is a unique and exceptionally talented musician and songwriter who is a very deserving recipient of this special honour.

“His music speaks to the heart and soul of Australia,” Mr Harley said.

“Congratulations Luke on being inducted into the Galaxy of Stars.”

O’Shea is a regular artist at the Tamworth Country Music Festival and has been honoured over the years for his songwriting, and recognised for his commitment to heritage and storytelling.

Tracks like The Drover’s Wife and Three Brothers (The Great War) have become iconic.

A special ceremony took place at the FanZone stage to announce the latest recipients, and O’Shea’s plaque will now be installed at the Galaxy of Stars display in the forecourt at the Tamworth Regional Entertainment and Conference Centre.

This year, O’Shea is a once again a Golden Guitar finalist for Video Clip of the Year with his song Dharawal.

Tamworth Country Music Festival is proudly supported by the NSW Government through its tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW.

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