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 Rabble-rousing troubadour STEVE TOWSON talks to JODY MACGREGOR about playing a benefit concert for Australians Against Capital Punishment.
JODY MACGREGOR: You played unofficial supports for Billy Bragg outside his concerts when he toured Australia. What happened when you met?
STEVE TOWSON: Bragg and his management are truly honourable people. They were extremely polite and friendly towards me which was fantastic, even to the point the only venue that expressed a dislike for me doing what I was doing was the Brisbane shows, and a security guard told me that the venue manager wanted the guard to bust my arse, but Bragg’s management gave instructions to leave me be. When I met up with him personally in Adelaide and chilled backstage in Perth it was quite a relaxed affair, just chewing the fat over life and the world in general; a pretty cool experience.
JM: What should we expect from the Australians Against Capital Punishment gig?
ST: Well, from the line-up some diverse, great musicians that will be playing for a cause close to their hearts. Personally, I find the idea of capital punishment terrifying, there is a saying that goes ‘no rich man ever died on death row’. To me, capital punishment is a dangerous tool that is mainly wielded by wealthy politicians against poor people. Just look at the USA and the power of life and death that was wielded by George W. Bush when he was governor.
JM: Do you have anything special planned?
ST: Yep. But I won’t mention it now, so I can keep it as a treat on the night.
JM: Have you ever played at Browning Street Studios before?
ST: Yeah, a few times now. It’s got a nice intimate vibe, what it lacks in size it makes up for in personal feel.
JM: Do you come from a musical family?
ST: Yeah. No actual professional musicians, but I’ve been fortunate enough to have people around me passionate about music, which I constantly think myself lucky for. It tears my heart hearing muso mates of mine that have parents that are ashamed of them because they chose a life of music.
JM: What was your first gig like?
ST: It was an abrupt introduction to the music industry. Huge turnout, bands walked away without getting paid, bar was happy.
STEVE TOWSON plays with Phil Monsour, Protest! and Brett Fahey at Browning Street Studios on Sunday Aug 23. Speakers Lee and Christine Rush, whose son currently faces execution in Indonesia, will also be present. See www.aacp.wordpress.com for more.
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