Dr. Colossus honour Nathan Johnston
Subscribe
X

Subscribe to Forte Magazine

Dr. Colossus honour Nathan Johnston

Last year, Dr. Colossus tragically lost their drummer and good friend Nathan ‘Buddha’ Johnston. After much deliberation, the guys have decided it’s time to get on stage again as Dr. Colossus and play songs from their debut record The Dank in honour of Nathan. We chat to Mike Findlay (Bass) and Jono Colliver (Guitar & Vocals) ahead of the show.
Hi guys. We were very sorry to hear about the loss of your bandmate Nathan. How has this motivated you to keep going and release new music?
Mike: Thank you. It was so unexpected. A massive shock to all who knew and loved him. When Jono called an told me, music and the bands future was the last thing on our minds. It was/is just so incredibly sad. Jono was touring so we didn’t get to see each other in person for about four days. When we finally caught up, after a lot of tears, beers and laughs about the good times, we talked music. We were unsure of the future of Dr Colossus, but we both agreed we had to keep playing music together.
How did the decision come about to reform?
Mike: After we said farewell to Nath we started talking about it. These songs that Nath helped write and record needed to be played, it helps the memory of him live on. So the idea of a tribute show to Nath came up – a show to celebrate his life and his talent for the fans of him and the music he helped create.
There was only one choice really to sit in Nath’s position; Josh Eales. One of Nath’s oldest mates and a drummer he truly respected. Jono then asked his brother Joel to play lead guitar. Not only because he’s an incredible musician, but I believe it’s also so Jono can spend more time with his brother, which is really awesome. Our mutual love and respect for Nath and the preservation of his memory is our motivation.
All profits from the two shows will go towards Nath’s wife Kate’s ‘Trek For Kindness’ raising funds for a charity close to Nath and Her heart, Edgar’s Mission – can you tell us a bit about this cause?
Jono: Nath shifted to become totally vegetarian in the last few years and became quite an advocate for the humane treatment of animals. He and his wife Kate really warmed to Edgar’s Mission which is a non for profit animal sanctuary for rescued farm animals on the outside of Lancefield. These are animals that have been deemed as ‘useless’ or ‘unprofitable’ in an agricultural sense and face being destroyed without care or humanity. Kate and Nath loved the work they do and from what we can gather, the folks at Edgar’s Mission really welcomed the two of them into the family.
What can we expect from the show?
Jono: Geelong is getting a special treatment. It was Nath’s home town (although he was Portland born) and The Barwon Club was basically his home-ground. So we’re pulling out all the stops. Playing Dr. Colossus songs that we haven’t played live in a very long time and re-inventing some of the others. We’re also bringing along some great bands, Two Headed Dog, Cracked Tapes (Nath’s other band reforming to launch an EP), and a secret band we will announce very soon.
Have you guys got any plans for the rest of the year?
Mike: We have a few shows coming actually. People seem to be really excited the wheels are spinning again. And quite rightly so. The rehearsal have been totally rad. Personally I would love to see a single recorded in honour of Nath. We have a couple of ideas brewing there, but I don’t want to give too much away.
Thanks for the quick chat guys! Is there anything else you want to add?
Jono: Thank you to everyone who has been supportive of the band both while Nath was alive and since his untimely departure from the world. It was the reason we did what we did, and the reason we continue to do so in his honour. We’d love to see you at a show to share some yarns about the great man and bring the community closer together. Much love.
When & Where: The Barwon Club, Geelong – June 8. Tickets onsale via Oztix or from http://tinyurl.com/nathanbc
Photo by Kirsty Hill