Hoodoo GurusThey both exude rock'n'roll cool, although in different ways: Dave Faulkner is dapper, groomed and pressed. The verging-on-psychedelic shirt accessorised with purple shoes that perfectly match the pattern, the jacket with just enough zippers to be just enough retro stylish. Tim Rogers has more of a 'just tumbled out of bed' look - flamboyantly wide-lapelled suit topped with a rakishly worn Stetson hat that's probably more 1980s Malcolm McLaren Buffalo Gals than Pharrell.
But their mutual admiration and affection are palpable, and lengthy. "The Gurus gave You Am I some of our first big tour supports at the beginning - maybe even before we were ready for it," Rogers self-deprecates.
"But I think you've done ok since," deadpans Faulkner in reply.
They chat like the old mates they are, to the point you almost feel like you're intruding as they catch up on each other's health - literally in the lead Guru's case, as he clutches a bag of herbal remedies and garlic tablets to try a clear a persistent throat lurgy keeping him a bit subdued.
They've actually already done a round of tandem touring, doing the old-style regional run - Narrabri! Albury! Bendigo! - before cranking it up again, adding extra like-minded artists/drinking buddies Jebediah and Adalita to take on the bright lights of the big cities.
Not that there's really been a break. Faulkner's nicked back to his hometown of Perth for a resurrection show with his original '70s punk unit, The Victims - complete with added Ray Ahn of the Hard-Ons. While among other escapades, runners in Sydney's City-To-Surf event were greeted by a You Am I performance from a pub awning on the race route. At 9am. How does a band get talked into getting up that early? "Somebody asked," Rogers matter-of-factly explains. "You weigh things up now - 'You're offering how much?' and work out something will pay my daughter's schooling for another year - so you do it."
The world has changed, even for bands of The Gurus' and You Am I's status. It's not mercenary. It's realistic. It's survival. Commercial opportunities are now considered rather than immediately dismissed. Both have famously (and successfully) promoted their football codes of choice, although sadly too early for Faulkner to soundtrack the first premiership of his beloved Cronulla Sharks. But there are still lines: "I'd never licence a song for a sports betting ad," Faulkner is definite, and Rogers quickly agrees.
But most other things are on the table. "You'd have to be careful which alcohol brand you might go with," ponders Rogers. "But if someone like Vegemite came to me with a suitcase full of money wanting to use Heavy Heart, I'm in."
"Vegemite. That'd be perfect, wouldn't it?" laughs Faulkner. "And I could really do with a new car - so I'm up for a car ad." Let's say he's half-joking.
One of the backstage joys of this tour will likely be the conversations after the shows, as both bands have members of almost trainspotter levels of fandom for music history.
"That's always been the way," says Faulkner. "One of the first tours we did together was us and Redd Kross as well."
"That was new levels of music nerd heaven," recalls Rogers. "But it's not so much we're collectors of some obscure record from 1969 - although Rusty (Hopkinson, You Am I drummer) can be a bit like that. It's more we're just music enthusiasts."
Faulkner continues the thought: "And our tastes come slightly different places, so we're often pointing one another to something we haven't heard." And then it actually gets nerdy: "You know - we really should do the B-side to 96 Tears, you know it? And can Adalita do the high notes if we cover Ballroom Blitz? - I'm not sure we can get there every night."
Then again, the You Am I singer can happily fanboy over his tourmates, without even bringing other bands into it. "I'm enjoying being in the 'support band'," he smiles. "No pressure - and I can wander off after we're done and just watch the Gurus from sidestage with a beer. And this last tour, Dave was changing their setlist every night. I loved that! And had to challenge myself not to peek at what they were playing on any night - and getting surprised when they pulled something obscure from the back catalogue."
The 'headliner' grins again: "Well, we've got to keep it interesting for you, Tim. We have to hold your attention - and sometimes our own."
