Entertainment
5 December, 2025
New album just ‘So Special’
Music veteran Terry Doyle launches 12th record of original songs on Sunday
MUSIC veteran Terry Doyle will launch his 12th album of original songs ‘So Special’ this weekend.
Mr Doyle, 76, has performed across Australia and internationally for decades, with gigs in the United States, Vietnam, New Zealand and Guam.
But this latest album is also his most personal.
“My late wife inspired the first song on the album ‘How Lucky Was I’,” he said.
“So Special is about her, too, from when I first took her home to meet Mum and Dad. When you’re songwriting, it just comes out, memories do that to you.”
Mr Doyle lost his wife suddenly to an aneurysm while he was performing a regular gig.
“It was sad, but at least I saw her pass. Music got me through. The week after she died, my son Jake and I played seven gigs, because that’s what we do.”
The album brings together a circle of friends and long-time collaborators, including his son Jake Doyle from Melbourne band Drunk Mums, Sunshine Coast guitarist David Zuric, Ash Peterson from Fingerprint, and slide guitarist Anthony “Weido” Weid.
The album also includes contributions from guitarist Mark Oliver, a long-time collaborator of Mr Doyle’s.
Mr Doyle said mentoring emerging artists over the past decade has shaped his own craft.
“I’ve mentored a lot of singer-songwriters. Emma Louise was one of the first. I didn’t teach them how to write songs, but how to navigate the industry without getting injured. The more I did that, the better I became as a songwriter.”
Mr Doyle said he still believed deeply in the Cairns local music scene.
“I worked hard here – five or six gigs a week. But marketing is everything. A lot of talented people are too embarrassed to promote themselves,” he said.
Despite stepping back from regular live gigs, Mr Doyle says recording continues to drive him.
“At 76, that’s what I’ll be doing, sitting behind the computer. You can distribute music worldwide now. I just got an email saying one of my songs is playing on a radio station in Germany.”
The launch will feature an acoustic performance with harmonica player Jimmy Cadman.
“It’s different without a band pumping behind you, but that’s just the way it is. It’ll be an acoustic version of the album.”
So Special is available on all streaming platforms.
There is no cover charge for the event on Sunday 7 December at Ten06 Sims Esplanade, Yorkeys Knob, but table bookings are recommended by calling 0430 465 185.
