AUSTRALIAN music legends swapped stadium stages for a Cleveland rehearsal studio as the newly formed Masters of Pop prepared to hit the road for a Queensland and New South Wales tour in June and July.
The all-star lineup features some of the country’s most recognisable names in rock and pop, including Men at Work drummer Jerry Speiser, Sherbet bass player Tony Mitchell, Rose Tattoo guitarist Tim Gaze, Stylus members Peter Cupples and Sam McNally, Ted Mulry Gang member Steve Mulry, and China Walker from John Paul Young and the Allstar Band.
Executive Producer Walker said performing alongside musicians who shaped Australian music history was a surreal experience.
“These boys have international acclaim,” he said.
“It’s a real honour to play with people who have been part of my musical journey.
“It’s not a tribute band when there are original people playing their songs.
“There’s something special about playing each other’s songs.
“I spent my teens watching these guys on Countdown and now they’re my peers, friends and music family.”
Walker said the chemistry in the rehearsal room was unlike anything he had experienced before.
“These guys are bloody fantastic,” he said. “They are rock stars – this is the real McCoy. They know what to do and who they are.
“There’s no ‘blah, blah, blah’. It’s just about the music.”
For the musicians involved, the project has also become a chance to revisit and rediscover some of Australia’s most iconic songs.
“I’ve played these songs a million times a million years ago. This time, I hope to get it right,” Mulry said.
McNally said rehearsing alongside the original artists had brought a fresh appreciation for the music.
“These boys are here to remind me of what I used to play, but I can’t remember,” he said.
Speiser described the project as a celebration of multiple generations of Australian music.
“Hats off to China for this project. When you’re on your own, you get comfortable, but now I have a better chance of not making a mistake,” he said.
Gaze said the collaboration was creatively energising.
“This band brings new relevance. It revitalises and challenges,” he said.
Cupples said hearing different interpretations of classic songs had added a new spark.
“There’s a new energy, just being with different people in the studio,” he said.
Mitchell said revisiting the music in a live setting revealed details he had never fully appreciated before.
“You discover things when you play it and not just hear it on the radio,” he said.
The Masters of Pop tour begins on June 9, with the Brisbane show set for June 25 at Fortitude Music Hall.
Each show will also feature support act The Understudy, performing hits from John Paul Young and Stevie Wright.
“Get off the couch. Stop watching telly and check it out,” Walker said.
