Bernard Fanning is an Australian musician and singer-songwriter from Brisbane. He is best known as the former lead singer and frontman of Powderfinger, with whom he performs from the band’s formation in 1989 until its dissolution in 2010.

Early life and education

Fanning is born Bernard Joseph Fanning in Brisbane in 1969. He learns piano from his mother at an early age and begins writing music at the age of 12 while attending St. Joseph’s College, Gregory Terrace. After leaving school, he studies journalism briefly at the University of Queensland, but drops out after meeting Ian Haug in an economics class and decides to pursue music.

Powderfinger

Fanning joins Haug, John Collins and Steven Bishop, who have recently formed Powderfinger, as lead singer. Bishop later leaves and guitarist Darren Middleton joins the group. From 1994 to 2004, Powderfinger releases five albums, a double live album and a best-of compilation. The band later takes a break, then releases its sixth studio album, Dream Days at the Hotel Existence, in 2007 and tours with Silverchair that autumn.

Solo work

Fanning releases his solo album Tea & Sympathy in 2005. It debuts at number one on the Australian ARIA Albums Chart. Singles from the album include “Wish You Well”, “Songbird” and “Watch Over Me”. In 2013 he releases his second album, Departures, preceded by the single “Battleships”; later singles from the album include “Departures (Blue Toowong Skies)” and “Tell Me How It Ends”.

Collaborations and film work

Fanning contributes songs to the 2003 film Ned Kelly, including “Shelter For My Soul” and a cover of the traditional song “Moreton Bay”.

Awards and recognition

In 2006 Fanning wins three ARIA Awards: Best Male Artist, Album of the Year for Tea & Sympathy, and Best Music Video for “Wish You Well”. The song “Wish You Well” also reaches number one in Triple J’s Hottest 100 for 2005.

Later activity

After Powderfinger disbands in 2010, Fanning moves to Spain with his family and begins writing and recording demos for his next solo album. He later records the follow-up in Los Angeles before returning to Australia for completion.