Well we’re back and have even had a little sleep after a memorable end of tour party after the last show in Adelaide.

Using mostly a four piece line-up including myself, Zoe Hauptmann on double bass, John Hibbard on keys and trombone and Aaron Flower on electric guitar – we were pleased to enjoy an enthusiastic reception from the Empire audiences. I had been apprehensive given the difference in styles of our bands.

The truth is that I had little knowledge of the Cat Empire other than meeting some members of the band who had come along to our earlier Melbourne shows. Once on tour with them, we were all impressed by the Empire’s level of prowess and live performance energy. They are all brilliant musicians. Harry’s voice was particularly inspiring and we have started to dabble with a collaborative song in which I hope to draw forth the Bon Scott so clearly within him.

Highlights of the tour (apart from the arguments between Zoe and John), were the Belvoir Amphitheatre show North of Perth – and audience of 4000 + in what used to be an open-cut quarry. Special mentions must also go to the sound engineer Adam Rhodes who we already knew was the best around and who seemed to have all the girls believing he was a cuddly teddy bear. Possibly true but a teddy bear full of razor-blades in actual fact. The tour manager Mark Hosking was also incredible – How can anyone keep going on so little sleep?? I asked him whether he was using speedballs and he tells me he has learned to control it through meditation. It was a fine moment for everyone on the tour when on the last show in Adelaide ‘Hos’ took the stage with the band and rocked the audience with some heavy guitar.

Yes, there were groupies hanging around which is good news for the health of the industry but I was no good at engaging in conversation with them and since they were generally seeking a photo with a member of the Cat Empire – I chose to slink back into the darkness at the first opportunity.

Thankyou to everyone we met on the tour, who took interest in the music, feed us and tucked us in at night.