One of Australia’s finest songwriters Don Walker, the man behind classics like Saturday Night, Cheap Wine and Khe San is on his way to Darwin. Bringing his band The Suave Fucks along for the ride, Walker gives OTL an insight into what stokes his creative fire.
What’s the inspiration behind the band name the suave Fucks?
The name was suggested by Michael Vidale our bass player, who’s an extremely suave fuck. It comes from a line in the David Lynch film Blue Velvet, where Dennis Hopper says to Kyle MacLachlan, ‘Man, you are one suave fuck’.
Do you have a writing ritual?
No. When I’m touring I’m usually too busy to think about writing. I don’t write anywhere near an instrument, and I can’t write at home. I like to go for a walk where I’m not going to be bothered and stare into space for awhile. That’s very enjoyable, but people do get suspicious if you say you’re working if you look like
you’re doing nothing. A few years ago there was a documentary filmmaker who was keen to film me writing, and I said, ‘Look you’re wasting your time. There’s actually nothing happening that you would see.’ It’s all happening on the inside.
How did the recent Cold Chisel’s reunion tour go?
It seems to have been very well received. It all started with a one- off V8’s appearance in Sydney at the end of 2009, and from there we all warmed to the idea of doing some recording together. We got new management and just when things were really ramping up our drummer Steve Prestwich passed away. Things got really intense last year. We’re doing a few dates in the UK in July, but following that that’ll be it for Cold Chisel for a few years.
What books are on your bed-side table?
I’m a bit of a low-brow reader. When I was a teenager I was into Ray Bradbury. I just finished reading The Koran for the second time, and I’m half way through Dermot McCulloch’s History of Christianity.
When: Sat 4 Aug | 7.30pm
Where: Darwin Railway Club, Parap
Cost: $34.70
Booking: www.oztix.com.au
