One of the original members of the Thompson Twins, Tom Bailey returns to Australia to perform songs from the band’s hit album, Into the Gap. He stops at Canberra Theatre on Wednesday 26 October. CW caught up with Bailey before he jetted off.

This is your first headline tour of Australia since 1986. Why such a big gap?

I retired from touring pop music shortly after that ‘86 visit to Australia. I made several visits with other, less well-known acts like International Observer (my dub project) and was a guest of Culture Club on their Australian tour five years ago. This upcoming tour was planned some time ago, then the Covid closures prevented it from going ahead until now.

With over 40 years in the music industry, do you have any defining moments?

Well, everyone wants to know about Live Aid, which was great and an unforgettable event. But I also remember less well-known moments like playing in a very remote village in India, or a student gig back in the very early ‘80s when we were brought back for seven encores.

The pandemic has been a tough time for performing artists. How have you gone the last few years?

Of course, it was a great opportunity to write and record, but everyone missed the live music. It was particularly hard for stage and technical crew members who had to find other work in order to put food on the table.

You will be performing all the tracks from Into the Gap. Do you have a favourite?

Songs are like children. Some are more well-known, but you can’t have favourites. I must say that I have enjoyed spending time with the less famous offspring. Wherever there is an emotional connection with an audience, via a song, it should be honoured.

Have you put some time aside to see some sites? If so, what are you looking forward to seeing?

Touring is often both a blessing and a curse in that respect. We visit amazing places all over the world but end up seeing dressing rooms and airports. So, it’s good to take any spare time to look around. Last time I was in Australia I managed to have some contact with the natural world as well as visiting art galleries.

Hear the hits when Tom Bailey comes to Canberra Theatre, Wednesday 26 October 8pm; canberratheatrecentre.com.au

Some of Tom Bailey’s answers have been condensed for publication.

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