FLIES AGAIN

By Colin Gray of Vicious Kitten Records

You also have a new book published called Faith and Practice In Bedlam. I assume it was satisfying, or maybe even cathartic, to write the book - to look back and reflect but to also look beyond?

Adelaide-based writer Robert Brokenmouth got wind of some of my ‘bits’, as I refer to the. Over a number of years, he consistently provoked me into collecting them together.

The resulting book is not so much a reflection of my various derring-do, but an observation of how particular characters can’t help but reveal themselves for themselves through their own actions. Including myself.

On this Australian tour you are backed by Dog Soldier, featuring Tony Bambach of Lime Spiders and Stu Wilson from The New Christs. Some serious Oz underground rock pedigree there!

How could we have anything else? It will be very exciting to play with those guys!

With such a lengthy resume, what songs can punters expect to hear? Birdman? Hitmen? Tribesmen tunes?

You’re gonna hear me cut a swathe across the back catalogue that I talked about. All the stuff that you’re familiar with – plus maybe a few surprises chucked in.

You have a red-hot Spanish-based band, the Viviero Wave Riders. What’s in store for 2023 with that band? A new album? More shows in Europe?

We’ve just finished recording a single for an American label that will be released later this year. COVID hit Spain hard, and we’ve been stuck with a scene where bands either play for free or pay to play.

When people get fed up with the fashionistas participating, then we’ll be ready to go!

The Australian Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, is a well-known fan of Radio Birdman, and is often seen donning a Birdman or Celibate Rifles t-shirt. Perhaps Albo will join you on stage for a rendition of New Race or Aloha Steve & Danno?

It’s heartening to see a decent human at the helm after such a long turgid time, yet somehow I doubt our PM would deign to visit little old me. But, he’s always welcome to join me on mic!

Chris Masuak & Dog Soldier play at Smith’s Alternative on Sunday, 28 May with Il Bruto. Tickets are $20/$25 via the venue website.