I had one of the most awesome nights last night coz I went to see Paul McDermott perform live at the Enmore theatre. I didn't realise how many people didn't realise he sang because they only know him from Good News Week and a few comedy festival debates. My memories date back a little further to a little troupe named the Doug Anthony All Stars and a show called The Big Gig. (Yes, I am that old! why won't anyone believe me?)In My University Days back in 199*ahem*1, I remember everyone wanting to watch Twin Peaks. Everyone, except me, that is. You see it clashed with The Big Gig on the ABC so I never did get into David Lynch - with no regret here either. I later managed to find a household of people (Gilpin St - you know who you are) who shared this opinion. We went on to attend almost every DAAS gig we could get to. I like to think they actually started to recognise us. We even had a few singalongs in the living room to some of their songs. Ahh...good times.
I have been fortunate enough to work with a few of my favourites from the show, namely Flacco/Paul Livingston and Jean Kittson. I turn into a bit of a fan chick here. When Paul Livingston agreed to do my short film "Kerplonk" ( http://vimeo.com/36690263) and told me that he thought it was well written I was over the moon. After I hung up from our first phone conversation I squealed and jumped around the room. And I am not a squealer, though I have been known to bounce around rooms. And the lovely Jean Kittson did a few guest spots on the show I work on. The dilemma here is that I need to act professional and feel it may compromise my reputation if I giggle and gush too much over her. It may have been a little embarrassing for all if I started quoting all her characters back to her.
Anyhoo, I digress. Paul McDermott Sings!
Swoon - In over 20 years, the man still has it! Brillant cheeky stage presence, comic timing and that beautiful voice brings a lot of memories flooding back.
I immediately wanted to go back and dig out all my Doug Anthony All Star footage from about 20 years ago. He hasn't changed much, he is still very charasmatic and a little bit naughty. After only an hour on stage he moved us out into the foyer of the Enmore theatre for a 2 song encore. Here , he shone. Back to the old busking days! Very intimate and informal but packed. I managed to perch myself on the wrong side of the stairs and capture it all on video with my trusty iPhone. GOLD!!
He was quickly swamped by fans to get photos with him the minute he finished. Unfortunately I didn't get a photo with him but I did shake the hand of the legendary Ted Robinson who is the man responsible for making Paul McDermott a house hold name in this country. I thanked him for bringing DAAS, The Big Gig and Paul Mc Dermott into my life over the past 20 odd years. I also told him that Paul Livingston did my short film a few years ago and then I hit him up for a job. Is it sad that I found this moment just as satisfying as if I had met Paul?And now I sit here typing with the DVD of the show playing under this window on my laptop reliving all those memories.
