From the writer/ producer of 'Pearl – The Janis Joplin Story' comes the next celebration of classic rock & roll, 'The Songs And Tales Of Angry Old Men'.
Written and produced by Chris Keeble of Fish Out A Water Productions, 'The Songs And Tales Of Angry Old Men' is a rockumentary featuring more than 20 classic songs interwoven with the little-known stories behind the music.
The show includes music from iconic artists such as Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen, Tom Waits, Jim Morrison, Nick Cave, Johnny Cash, Neil Young and more.
Why did you create the show 'The Songs & Tales Of Angry Old Men'?
[Chris] I wrote this show about three years ago. After writing about Janis Joplin and producing that show, I naturally looked at some other artists.
What makes these artists and songs significant to you?
I’m a child of the 'flower power' generation... a bit of a hippie.
I must say, this show is the set list to my life. I've always loved this music; it tells stories, is poetic, powerful and usually has something to say. Music that makes you think and listen, and takes you on a journey.
Can you share some examples of songs in the show and why they were selected?
I’m a big Bob Dylan fan and really the whole show could have been about him. But there are so many troubadours from that era. With Dylan, I've tried to find songs that are not often so obvious, although we do sing a medley of the main songs that everyone will know like 'A Rolling Stone'.
Leonard Cohen has done some amazing songs, great stories put to music. His song ‘The Future’ is very powerful. Neil Young 'Old Man...', Tom Waits 'Downtown Train'. Many people will recognise that song from Rod Stewart, but it’s a Tom Waits number. We cover 22 songs; every one was a hit.
And what sort of tales does the show tell?
We delve into the back story to how many of the songs were written, plus little bits of info about the person. Things that I don’t think many people will know.
I've tried to find information that was not readily known about. I want the audience to go 'oh wow. I didn’t know that!'
Speaking of telling tales, it's said you have previous personal experience working with some of the artists you cover in the show – any of your own tales you can share with us?
I was a stage hand for Dylan when he toured back in the '70s, plus again when he toured with Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.
Also at that gig, Stevie Nicks was dating Tom so she was hanging around. I was backstage and I can tell you it’s a whole other world; lots of things go on back there. I guess it's rock & roll at its finest. I did manage to get a ‘hi’ from Bob. But he kept to himself and his immediate circle of folk.
I wish iPhones were around in those days. I'd have such great pics; lots of selfies I'd say.
Has the show changed much since it launched in 2017?
Oh yes. I've added a lot more imagery, a few more stories and we have added another song. I have to stop myself because these artists produced so many great songs. The show could go for six hours if I let it.
What can audiences expect from the show in 2019?
Well, if they are Baby Boomers it will take them back to the coolest time for music. We haven't done one show where the audience haven't come up to me and said: 'That was the best show I've seen. It took me back to my glory days.'
And for the younger generation who are actually getting into that music again, they will be moved because it’s so much more authentic and real to the current crop of music. It's grassroots rock.
Plus these vintage hipsters are all about this now. They would never get the chance to see these songs performed live like this and to hear the stories adds another dimension, along with the imagery and footage.
Do you have an onstage role, or are you strictly behind the scenes?
Behind the scenes. I run the imagery during the show. I wear a lot of hats: writer, producer, stage manager, tour manager and the herder of cats.
In your mind, do you think artists of today will be able to reach the status some of the greats like Dylan, Morrison and Cohen?
Mmmmmm... there will always be the freakish ones who seem to rise about the others. Yes. I guess so. I'm unsure who though.
I'm a big supporter of original singer-songwriters in Australia. My cast onstage all have their own original music. I play their stuff before the show and at interval. This is my way of promoting original stuff also. It exposes them to a new audience; often after the shows, the audience are keen to hear their material, which is very satisfying to see.
I'd like to think my cast will be the next big thing. Jeremy Edwards, my MD for the show, is a prolific and talented singer-songwriter. Not only for himself, but he writes for many Australian singers. Matt Ross (guitar and vocals) also has a wonderful catalogue; Wayne Kellett (bass and vocals) plays with a band called The Flood who are amazing; and Di Solomon (keys and vocals), is a workhorse and very busy herself.
Any idea of what the next instalment in the 'Rockumentary' series will be?
I'm looking at a female version of the Angry Old Men; tentatively titled 'Wild Wild Women – The Songs And Tales Of The Brash and Ballsy'.
What else is coming from Fish Out A Water Productions this year?
My focus is to keep touring 'Pearl – The Janis Joplin Story', 'Angry Old Men' and the new production I mentioned. My company also produces events and is a creator of a wide range of things.
I'm also a big motorbike rider and am currently producing a thing called ‘The Aussie & The Indian’; now that’s a whole other story.
