Bernard Fanning Takes a Nostalgic Journey with Tea & Sympathy Anniversary Tour
Bernard Fanning, the iconic lead singer of Powderfinger, is embarking on a heartfelt trip down memory lane as he celebrates the 20th anniversary of his seminal solo album, Tea & Sympathy. In an exclusive video interview from his Byron Bay home, Fanning opened up about the album's creation, its enduring legacy, and the upcoming nationwide tour that brings him to Perth next month.
The Unlikely Birth of a Classic Hit
Back in 2005, Fanning found himself in a transitional phase. Powderfinger was on a break, and he had just completed writing all the songs for his first solo venture. After a night of celebration, he woke up with a pounding headache, but inspiration struck unexpectedly. "I grabbed my guitar, and a song just fell out in about 15 minutes," Fanning recalls.
That song was Wish You Well, an upbeat track with ironic lyrics about heartbreak and moving on from a long-term relationship. "Up so early, feel so bright," Fanning sang while hungover, crafting a tune that would become an instant classic. The song topped the Triple J Hottest 100 in 2005 and remains a staple on Australian radio, defying its somber themes with an infectious melody.
A Break-Up Record with Deep Emotional Roots
Tea & Sympathy was born from personal turmoil. "It was a break-up record," Fanning explains. "I'd been in a relationship for 13 years, and it was breaking down while all this was happening." The album's emotional depth resonated with listeners, many of whom grew up with its songs. Fanning notes the "deep affection" fans have for the record, which he discovered during a one-off anniversary show in Brisbane last year.
That show sparked the idea for a full national tour, reuniting four of the original five band members who played on the album. "The warmth in the room was incredible," Fanning says of the Brisbane performance. "We had a few days of rehearsal, and after a few hours, we were like: 'That's everything.' It's really nice to have that historic connection."
New Skills and Live Debuts
While the tour celebrates the past, Fanning brings improved musicianship to the stage. He highlights one song in particular, Further Down The Road, a melancholic ballad that has never been played live until now. "I couldn't really play it and sing at the same time back then," he admits. "But I'm a better guitar player now, so I can do it. A lot of people have told me it's one of their highlights of the record."
The Powderfinger Question and WA's Energetic Crowds
Inevitably, the conversation turns to a potential Powderfinger reunion. Fanning laughs it off, noting the constant inquiries since the band's 2010 split. "Everyone's busy," he says. "There's like 15 kids between us. We'll take that as a no for now."
Instead, Fanning is focused on his solo work and the enthusiastic crowds in Western Australia. "When people go to a show in WA, they're excited," he enthuses. "There's a real energy there. It's not like in Melbourne, the city of folded arms. People in WA are up for it from the word go. There's always been something about WA shows—they were just nuts."
He recalls familiar faces from as far back as 1996 at Perth's Planet Nightclub and appreciates the loyalty of WA fans who travel to shows in Margaret River or Geraldton.
Special Guests and Symmetry
The Perth show at Kings Park on Sunday, March 1, will feature special guests Georgia Mooney, Bob Evans (the alter ego of Jebediah's Kevin Mitchell), and Sam Cromack of Ball Park Music. Fanning sees poetic symmetry in Cromack's involvement, as he is embarking on a solo project similar to Fanning's own journey 21 years ago.
"I love the way he writes," Fanning says of Cromack. "He was a big fan of Tea & Sympathy when he was a kid." As for Bob Evans, Fanning notes their long history: "We did heaps of touring with Jebediah. It's great to have him, the hometown hero, being there as well."
Fanning promises a memorable experience, especially with Monday being a public holiday. "It's going to be a really fun show," he says. "You wouldn't want to be a beer in Perth that day."
The Tea & Sympathy 20th Anniversary Tour not only celebrates a landmark album but also highlights the enduring connection between an artist and his fans, particularly in Western Australia, where the energy and excitement remain as vibrant as ever.
