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Sydney Unleashed

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Tim Campbell Interview

Best known for his work on screen, Australian entertainment juggernaut Tim Campbell is about to hit the stage on his High School Disco national tour, with tickets on sale now through various outlets. Kicking off on June 12th, triple threat Tim Campbell will sing and dance his way into Adelaide, Sydney, Canberra, Launceston, Hobart, Brisbane, Gold Coast and Melbourne. We spoke to Tim Campbell in the lead up to the tour.

How did you get your start in the industry?

I was a late bloomer to the industry, more of a sports guy at school. I signed to an agent late High School and one of my first ever jobs was playing Brad, a Yabbie Creek soccer player. It lasted one episode. As a singer, I got a job at the old Australia’s Wonderland out west and the rest is history from there…

Best part of what you do?

Whenever I’m “doing it”! I’m extremely lucky that I LOVE what I do for a job. Whether it’s recording a scene for a TV drama, MCing an event, or up on stage with the band, having everyone dance and making sure the audience is having a brilliant time – these are the best parts of my job.

And the worst part?

Well, where do we start?!?! Again I’m in a very lucky position with my career. Not to say there aren’t days I want to give a few people a clip across the ear… Violence is never the answer, but I’m sure people can relate with their jobs.

Any interesting experiences you can share?

Plenty backstage, but none I could share on record. I have had underwear thrown at me on stage before, that’s a true sign that you’ve made it as a singer! Playing piano on stage for Carols By Candlelight a couple of years ago was interesting. I’d never EVER played piano before in public. Not even a local pub venue. Picked the most exposed environment to do so didn’t I?!?!

Favourite album of all time and why?

That’s a very difficult question for a music lover. INXS: Kick, Bachelor Girl: Waiting for the Day, Billy Joel: The Stranger – these albums (amongst many) are timeless for me, and are of the old days where an album was a whole piece of work and had a thorough meaning. I can only listen to these from start to finish.

Best live performance that you’ve ever seen?

Any singer who can SING live wins me over. John Farnham’s Chain Reaction concert always sticks in my mind. A friend bought me Simply Red who were brilliant. Even recently saw Taylor Dayne who was still brilliant live. I don’t need the bells and whistles in concerts, just SING!

Favourite bars/clubs/pubs to hang out in?

In Melbourne I do love a bit of Club 23, but also love a casual afternoon/night with friends. The Railway in Windsor is great for this. In Sydney, I do love the Opera Bar on a warm afternoon/evening, nothing beats that view.

Take us through a typical day in the life of Tim Campbell.

If only there was a typical day! No matter what I’m doing, whether it’s a gig or filming day, or email catch ups, I do make way for a gym or swim session. It’s also a good excuse to then catch up with some friends for an afternoon drink and dodgy food! Some days are hectic and some more layed back, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I love that my diary changes daily… Oh yeah, and if I don’t get the dog out at some point in the day, he has that evil guilty look down pat!

Any news or final comments?

Only that I can’t wait to take this album and music on the road. Although I’ve played with the band for many years at corporate and other gigs, I can completely do this show my way with an audience that also love 70s and 80s music, and want a completely FUN night out. Did I mention I’m excited about this???

© Danny Canak

Sydney Unleashed is one of Australia’s premier entertainment publications exploring the latest in lifestyle trends. From Sydney’s finest restaurants, cafes and bars to the hottest in gadgets, products, and home entertainment, Sydney Unleashed is your one-stop lifestyle platform.