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Human Nature’s Phil Burton brings Phil Collins home to Cremorne’s Orpheum.

Published On: August 13, 2026
Human Nature co-founder Phil Burton, who brings his Phil Collins show to the Hayden Orpheum Cremorne

Human Nature’s Phil Burton brings his Phil Collins show to the Hayden Orpheum Cremorne on Friday 9 October.

By ANNA USHER

One of the biggest voices in Australian pop is coming home to the lower north shore. Human Nature co-founder Phil Burton will bring the hits of Phil Collins to the Hayden Orpheum Cremorne on Friday 9 October, one of only four shows in the state and the only one on his own patch.

The ARIA Hall of Famer lives on the North Shore, and fronts a full live band through the Collins songbook, In the Air Tonight, Against All Odds, Sussudio, Easy Lover, Another Day in Paradise and Invisible Touch.

The Orpheum, the heritage art deco cinema on Military Road, is a Cremorne landmark better known for red-carpet film premieres than a rock and soul set list like this.

Phil x Phil show artwork, the very best of Phil Collins starring Phil Burton

The Phil x Phil show artwork, the very best of Phil Collins starring Phil Burton.

Announcing the tour, Burton said the songs floored him as a teenager. “I remember seeing Phil Collins in Australia when I was a teenager,” he said. “I was so blown away by the caliber of the songs and musicianship, not to mention the feeling of sheer joy and fun in seeing such a spectacular show.”

He built the set list in pre-production with former Human Nature musical director Joe Accaria, whose credits run to Marcia Hines, David Campbell and Andrea Bocelli.

A local star

Burton started Human Nature as a school group in 1989, and the band has since sold more than 2.5 million albums in Australia and collected 27 platinum awards. It ran an 11-year Las Vegas residency from 2009 to 2020, more than 2,500 shows at the Imperial Palace and The Venetian, before Burton brought his family home to Sydney.

Locals know his face from more than the harmonies. He won Dancing with the Stars Australia in 2023, has filled in for Larry Emdur on Channel 7’s The Morning Show since 2024, and was inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame with Human Nature in 2019. He holds the Medal of the Order of Australia for services to the performing arts and charity.

The four members of Human Nature, including Phil Burton, in 2026

Human Nature today, with Phil Burton, back home in Sydney.

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Timeless magic

The tribute lands as Collins takes another bow. The Genesis frontman turned solo superstar has sold more than 150 million albums, still pulls more than 90 million monthly streams, and will be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a solo artist in November 2026.

Cremorne is one of four PHIL x PHIL shows this October, alongside Liverpool Catholic Club on Saturday 3 October, Wyong Leagues Club on Saturday 10 October and Penrith Panthers on Friday 23 October. Burton has flagged more dates to come.

Tickets are on sale now through philburton.com.au.

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Artist render of the proposed six-storey apartment block at 53 Bond Street, MosmanDevelopment News: Bond Street neighbours fight a six-storey block.
Lucy Maunder as Judy Garland singing into a microphone in Ensemble Theatre End of the RainbowJudy Garland and a David Williamson comedy headline Kirribilli’s Ensemble Theatre in 2027.

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