Tom Waits fans are in for a treat when an all-star lineup of Australian musicians brings a heartfelt homage 10 Years of Tom to Drysdale.
Celebrating the 40th anniversary of Waits’ ninth studio album Rain Dogs – the eighth, 14th or 21st best album of the 1980s, depending on who you ask – 10 Years of Tom encompasses Waits’ output between 1977 and 1987.
The show presents a dizzying array of vocalists, with Augie March frontman Glenn Richards, alt-country balladeer Lachlan Bryan, charismatic singer-songwriter Queenie, alt-folk chameleon Delsinki and vocal powerhouse Maggie Alley all bringing their takes on Waits’ songs.
Delsinki, AKA Craig Johnston and the man behind 10 Years of Tom, has made collaboration something of an art form, having worked with the likes of Mick Thomas, Tim Rogers, Jim Moginie (Midnight Oils), Stephen Pigram, Kylie Auldist and Brian Ritchie (Violent Femmes), to name a few.
Johnston said working with such a diverse range of creatives was an inspiring experience.
“When everybody bands together it becomes this almost spiritual sort of thing,” he said.
“Getting to spend time with such an eclectic group really does fill your cup. You’re sharing that experience, sharing joy.
“The chemistry (in this show) is great; there’s no ego. That’s part of the selection process, when you’re putting these things together, it’s who’s going to work well with one another. Everybody’s been there and done that, so it’s really effortless.”
Johnston, who toured 10 Years of Tom earlier this year with a slightly different line-up, said the show had a “real vibe” and “something there for everyone”.
“Nobody’s up there trying to do a Tom Waits impersonation, all the artists are bringing their own thing to it,” he said.
“You’re going to experience a world-class band, each artist in their own landscape. You get a real insight into each artist as a performer.”
10 Years of Tom is at the Potato Shed on October 10. Visit tickets.geelongaustralia.com.au/event/10-years-of-tom for tickets and more information.
