Bob Downe: Go For Cold.

Bob Downe performs Cold August Night at the Brisbane Powerhouse from Wednesday to May 26.

After the all singing, all dancing non stop fun spectacular of Whiter, Brighter it’s understandable that Bob Downe would want the opportunity to take on something a little more serious. Like fronting a live band... So now Australia’s plastic haired environmental fashion disaster is rockin’ and rollin’ in Cold August Night, a tribute to some of the greatest music the world has ever seen, complete with backing band and a set list that reads like a who’s who of music. Anyway, here were the options. I can chat with Bob Downe’s manager Mark Trevorrow on the phone, or you can speak with Bob directly on email. Email it is then.

You're already a superstar of stage and screen, any other ambitions?

“To open my own knitwear shop with buttons and bows - as Nanna Downe says, it's so difficult to find half-way decent haberdashery these days.”

What is your personal philosophy in life?

“Grab the wheel - and don't let go!”

How did you first get into performing? How old were you?

“Six. I did back-to-school fashions in the window at Grace Bros Murwillumbah. I eventually graduated with a diploma of Tap and Deportment from Northern Rivers TAFE.”

How much of an impact has Neil Diamond made on your performance career? Ever met the man?

“Not much, and no, especially as these days he looks more like a Spanish waiter than a rock star. Having said that, Hot August Night is our household's all-time favourite double album.”

Are you a Popstars fan? Do you think the talent of today meets the high standards you've helped set?

“I love anything which takes the dreams and hopes of young people, exploits them, drags them through the mud, makes money off them, then dumps them back to where they started, except now they're bitter and they haven't even turned 21. Love it... NOT.”

Did you tune in and watch the Logies? What were your impressions?

“I was too busy that night and now I'm sorry I missed them. All I can say about the carry-on is: None of these dramas would happen if they'd just BRING BACK BERT!”

Brisbane must almost be a homecoming gig for you (we'd like to think so, anyway...), given its close proximity to Murwillumbah. Anything special planned for the Queensland shows?

“Well, expect a tight-as-a-drum comedy concert spectacular, honed in out-of-town tryouts in Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney. I wouldn't want Brissy to see it ragged or unfinished!”

Where did you learn to dance?

“Northern Rivers Dance Academy (Lismore campus). The usual steps - Pride Of Erin, gavotte, foxtrot, twist, Macarena, three chicks around a handbag.”

Who does your hair? Are they your excusive stylists, or are they available for other appointments?

“Toys R Us. Anyone can go during normal trading hours.”

Is it hard to maintain your youthful tanned appearance while you're touring, in particular when you're overseas?

“No, as long as I can find Max Factor Tan #2 (with a creamy beige powder). It seems to be available throughout the world - thank goodness! Consistency is everything with your Look.”

Does you mum still make your clothes? Has she considered opening a boutique?

“Mum makes SOME of my clothes, the ones I never wear when I'm away from home. Most of my clothes are imports, bought at Posh Shoppe - my brother Mark Downe's boutique in Murwillumbah. He's got all the imports: Stuart Membery, Trent Nathan, Prue Acton, the LOT.”

What happened to the Apple Fresh Dancers from Whiter, Brighter? Where are they now?

They went off. I had to juice them. Sorry!”

Is there a Bob Downe movie on the horizon?

“Can't say too much - except Yes.”

Any chance Mark will ever share the limelight at one of your shows?

“Yes. Buckley's and NONE.”