Blues guitarist and singer, Owen Campbell, will be playing at the Rhythm Hut in Gosford on May 14, as part of his revitalised 22-show tour.
Campbell had his 70 date Australian Tour cancelled last year due to the COVID-19 lockdowns, which he said had given him further drive to get back out there.
“Music is medicine to me, so it’s always been an elixir and a release,” Campbell said.
“I guess COVID-19 lockdowns have made me appreciate the human interaction so much more; my community is scattered all over the country and the world and shows have always been the vehicle that connects us,” he said.
“When that was ripped out, I had a Who am I? moment.”
Starting in Sydney, he will visit five states across Australia in four months, on his Rolling Thunder of Love Tour.
Campbell has been playing the guitar since he was nine years old and performing since he was 17.
He said the time off had given him time to appreciate being home.
“I managed to land some acting work on the side which I’ve never had the time for in the past,” he said.
“But it has been a shock to the system.
“I’ve never been at home so much in my whole life, so I’ve really grappled with that at times.
“But in early February, 2021, my second son was born, so there’s not been much time navel-gazing.
“New life commands you to get up and get on with it, whether you want to or not.
“It’s also the best distraction in these strange times – nothing like a screaming living baby to drown out the news.
“I guess having a child is as creative as it gets.”
This year is also the 10th anniversary of Campbell’s first studio album, Sunshine Road.
“I am more determined than ever to get out there and create some culture and community connection as we roll into 2021,” he said.
“Live music is the medicine for collective uncertainty, and with every drumbeat, I realise life is always uncertain, but we can creatively face it down together.”
Jacinta Counihan