Johnny Cash: In Solitary

Taking on the role of one of the world’s most famous musicians in history is no easy task, but that’s exactly what Daniel Thompson does when he steps on stage as a Johnny Cash tribute artist. After performing in Johnny Cash The Concert for the past five years, Thompson has decided to change things up a little and shine a light on a different side of the legend and his music with In Solitary. With a new show comes a new set of songs, something that Thompson thinks Cash fans will really appreciate.
“Of course you get to hear the big hits… But also some of my favourites and favourites that the people want to hear out of the huge Cash catalogue. I think people will be surprised by some of the songs – they’ll have the things they want to hear but maybe also some songs they don’t know or haven’t heard before,” he says.
While Thompson’s previous Cash tribute shows have seen him accompanied by a four-piece band, In Solitary has him perform acoustically – a decision that compliments the more intimate nature of a show that delves deeper into Cash’s life.
“We’re always trying to tell stories,” he says, “but being an acoustic show it really sort of lets the songs stand up for themselves.”
However, portraying the troubled side of such a well-known figure can be a tough job, and one that Thompson says is made harder by the fact that there are so many dedicated fans who already know so much about the musician. Because of this, the road to playing Cash on stage is paved with the many books, interviews and videos that go into researching his personality and performance style. Taking it in his stride, Thompson says this research is simply part of the job when you’re playing in a tribute band.
“I think it’s my responsibility as a tribute artist to know your subject really well, because there are people out there who know more about it than you do,” he says.
Although In Solitary provides a deeper insight into the life and troubles of Johnny Cash, fans need not worry that it portrays the musician in a bad light. When putting together the show, Thompson made sure that it didn’t focus on any negativity the singer faced but rather celebrates the experiences that made him who he was.
“The songs he chose to record and the songs he wrote, it can tell his story. So we’re not focusing on the negatives as such, more just using those darker songs to explain a bit of his character or tell part of his story,” he says.
One needs to simply look at the popularity of Johnny Cash tribute show – like the ones Thompson has lent himself to over the years – to understand the influence and popularity Cash’s music continues to enjoy since his death in 2003.
When asked why he thinks Cash has had such a profound impact on the world, Thompson immediately points to the musicians ability to connect with people on a far-reaching scale.
“If you ask a hundred different people you’d get a hundred different answers as to why they love his music,” says Thompson.
“He’s a rare artist like that, he’s got a really broad appeal across all walks of life and that’s probably more than anything why his popularity is growing.”
You can see In Solitary when it comes to venues around regional Victoria in May, tickets are available through the venues.
When & Where: Ararat Performing Arts Centre, Ararat – April 30, Wesley Performing Arts Centre, Horsham – May 1, Colac Performing Arts Centre, Colac – May 3, Flying Saucer Club, Elsternwick – May 14, Bridge Hotel, Castlemaine – May 15 & Main Bar, Ballarat – May 16
Written by Kara Ready