Doug Parkinson is no stranger to performing, and has already garnered much praise and acclaim as a singer and performer of great distinction, but it’s his new show heading to regional Victoria that will no doubt raise his profile even further in the coming months.
Parkinson is currently touring Victoria paying homage to the late, great Joe Cocker, and as Parkinson points out their similarities extend beyond musical talent.
“We were roughly the same age group and had a lot in common. We were both born in steel towns. We both had big hits with Beatles tunes and both went through slightly chequered careers with a history of substance abuse. This is a good opportunity for me to step into another man’s shoes,” he says.
Parkinson’s current show will not only feature Cocker’s great songs, but all of Parkinson’s own hits spanning decades in the industry. “The first half of the show I do all of my hits, so basically I am my own support act. And then I do the Cocker stuff. I wish I had a dollar for every person that has shared with me their favourite Cocker story.”
One thing that Cocker won’t be doing is to do any type of impersonation of Cocker’s manic stage presence.
“He had this crazy style of movement. I don’t think there is any point in trying to copy that. We have similar sounding voices.”
Parkinson sees this tour as not only an opportunity to showcase his fine body of work, and Cocker’s, but to re-connect with the fans and to experience those beautiful old Victorian theatres once again.
“So far the tour has taken in Queensland and New South Wales. I haven’t been to Geelong for years now so I am excited to be visiting again and seeing the changes that have occurred. Tours are about re-connecting with people and the fans that come along and see the shows. I can’t wait to get out and play those amazing old theatres in Victoria I remember so well. That will be a big thrill. I’ve got an amazing travelling band with great musicians and so far have had a terrific time. All audiences are different, at different moments and different times. That’s part of the joy.”
Written by Chris Michaels
When & Where: The Capital, Bendigo – April 29, GPAC, Geelong – May 13 & Lighthouse Theatre, Warrnambool – May 14
