Ross Wilson is hoping to help change the way touring impacts the environment with Ross Wilson’s Cool World Tour 2023, stopping in the Canberra region at Tallagandra Hill Winery on Saturday 28 January. CW caught up with Wilson to talk sustainability and surviving the industry for half a century.

1. The Cool World Tour is about promoting sustainability; why is it important to you?

It isn’t a new idea; it’s been banging on for years and years.

I wrote a song called Cool World which was a big hit when I was in Mondo Rock. Now it can be interpreted in many ways; it could be about people being closed-minded to this idea. A double meaning, trying to cool the world, turning it into a reality.

2. What will you be doing differently?

Just simple things: you needed water on stage, we would be provided with water bottles, I take my own refillable along. Just one gig it would cut down on an immense amount of plastic. We’re so used to everything being packaged and put in the little yellow bin and hope someone else takes care of it.

I don’t get on stage and preach a sermon to anyone. It’s an underlying theme we’re trying to get across; let’s make the world cooler, not hotter.

3. At what point in your career did realise the toll touring takes on the environment?

A long time ago; it is something that you have to juggle. We fly around the place, we do have a footprint whether we fly or drive. We are hoping down the track that we are getting access to electric vehicles.

4. Do you incorporate sustainable practices into your personal life?

I try to keep the house running nicely, the council in Port Phillip was mindful of things and provide a lot of services, there is a good recycling program, and they are about to start another bin where you put your organic material and will turn it into compost and use it in the many great parks. I am quite proud of them.

5. Fifty years in the industry is an incredible achievement; do you have any highlights?

I’ve been really lucky to just work in the music biz for that time, either performing or writing songs, producing other artists, but what I really love doing is performing live.

Ross Wilson will perform at Tallagandra Hill Winery, Gundaroo, 28 January 5.30pm; ticketebo.com.au

Some answers have been condensed for publication.

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