Australian country music legend Adam Harvey and long-time tour partner Beccy Cole are celebrating the release of their duet album Great Country Songbook Volume 3 with a national tour. They perform at the Street Theatre on Friday 14 October. CW caught up with Adam for a chat while he was walking his dog, Dolly Parton.
You and Beccy have been touring together for 20 years. How did you meet?
This is our thirteenth tour around Australia together. Over 20 years ago with Gina Jeffreys, we were the support act for her, and we just hit it off. We have been like brother and sister ever since.
How do you keep a friendship going for so long?
You spend plenty of time apart. Beccy says we have to stay friends because we know too much about each other.
What can fans expect to see different this tour?
We have a new album, and new duets to play together. Beccy had a really bad time, a dark period in her life with a lot of mental illness, she was suicidal, and had to go to a facility. She talks openly about this. I was ringing her every day.
I reckon she is better than ever; she’s got her spark back. I think these are the best shows we have ever done.
You are also working on a book, how is it going?
I thought writing songs was difficult, but it is nothing compared to writing a book. It’s called Tales From The Road; it’s a collection of stories about some of the crazy and funny things that have happened to us while we are out on tour. Nothing nasty or mean; Beccy would make sure we would never find my body again.
Do you have a favourite song to perform?
We do a song called I Don’t Love You Much Do I, I wasn’t sure about recording it at first. Anyone who knows us knows that is never possible. I think that is part of what has made this last so long, there has never been anything like that going on. But, Beccy said let’s record it, it really sums up how I feel about you, you’re like a brother to me.
Adam Harvey and Beccy Cole perform at The Street Theatre, 14 October 8pm; thestreet.org.au
Some of Adam Harvey’s answers have been condensed for publication.
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