As The Waifs prepared for their next tour, we spoke to band member Vikki Thorn as she reflects on a journey that spans almost 35 years, a career that has seen the band evolve, grow, and most importantly, maintain a lasting connection with their fans.
But as with any band that’s been around for decades, the question arises: What’s next? Do they keep pushing forward with new music and tours, or step back and focus on individual projects? For Vicki, the answer isn’t simple—but it’s rooted in the loyalty to their fanbase and the love they still have for the music.
The Waifs VIC dates:
- Tue 18 Mar – Burrinja Cultural Centre, Upwey
- Wed19 Mar – Theatre Royal, Castlemaine
- Thu 20 Mar – Swan Hill Town Hall, Swan Hill
- Sat 22 Mar – Mornington Racecourse, Mornington
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“We’re at the cusp where we’re deciding—do we keep recording new music and touring, or do we… not call it a day, but take a step back?” Vicki says, acknowledging the complex decision the band faces. “We’ve all got solo projects going, and we’re invested in those. But there’s so much love for The Waifs and the music, and there’s this real loyalty to our fanbase. They’re still emailing, asking when we’re touring next. So, the motivation behind our tours is really about that loyalty.”
Despite the challenges of distance and separate lives—The Waifs no longer live in the same states—there’s an undeniable magic when they come together. “We’ve been playing together for almost 35 years, so we know each other really well. We’re still writing new songs, but it’s harder to come together. But when we do a tour and go to these regional places, selling out months before, there’s still this real love for this music. Maybe it’s having a resurgence—it’s amazing we can still do that .”
In a career that’s spanned decades, it’s rare for a band to enjoy such longevity, but The Waifs have managed to keep their audience engaged and excited. “I think it’s a rare position to be in, as a band, to have such enduring love from the audience.”
As they gear up for their upcoming tour, Thorn is excited about the setlist, which will blend nostalgia with fresh elements. “When you see The Waifs, there’s always an element of nostalgia. We’ll have 5-6 songs that don’t leave our set—songs like ‘Lighthouse,’ ‘London Still,’ ‘Bridal Train,’ and a lot from our Up All Night album. But for our own interest, we like to muck around with new songs, especially in Victoria, where The Waifs first started out as an acoustic trio. We bring that element into our shows too.”
What’s even more exciting about this tour is the unique mix of venues; from the high-energy SummerSault gigs, which feature tight, hour-long sets on bigger stages, to the intimate regional theatre shows, each with its own vibe and energy. “This tour is a bit unusual because we’re doing all the SummerSault gigs, but then we’re also playing in regional theatres, which is a completely different vibe. It’s interesting because there’s more of a performance aspect to those theatre shows, and I’ve got to get my head around that. We like doing both, though. It’s a switch in mindset, but it’s really fun.”
While touring and performing have evolved over the years, Vicki still finds joy in the small, simple things. “I put it back to the audience—people in the regional theatre shows don’t mind interacting with you, and that’s always fun. But getting back in the van with my tour family is the best part. You’re talking shit, mucking around—spending hours with these people you don’t see much of outside of work. It’s like getting to check back into this life we used to live.
As any seasoned musician knows, packing for tour is an art form, and Thorn has a few essentials she always brings along. “I always take a scarf because I have to tie my head to the headrest. It’s like creating my own little shroud—sometimes I’m just hiding out in a public space for my own personal bubble. And, of course, noise-cancelling headphones are a lifesaver.
“Josh used to bring a sewing machine on tour. He was always prepared for anything, even outside of sewing. If you needed something fixed, you’d go to Josh. His packing is fascinating.”
But beyond the practicalities of touring, Thorn is deeply grateful for the support the band has received over the years, especially in Victoria, where their journey began. “Victoria is where it all started for us. Our audiences there have always been so supportive. We cut our teeth in Melbourne, and it felt like such a supportive environment. Sometimes music can be clique-y, but Melbourne was a real sense of community among musicians.”
In a fitting tribute to those early days, Thorn fondly remembers her hustle to get coverage for the band. “I used to call up Forte Magazine and hassle editors for a little blurb. It’s incredible to see that Forte is still around after all this time and doing such great things for regional scenes.”
As The Waifs approach another tour, their longevity is a testament to the deep connection they’ve fostered with their fans, and the love they have for the music and for each other.
Despite the years and the challenges, the band remains as dedicated to their art as ever, and their audience’s unwavering support is a reminder of the power of music to endure and bring people together.
