Black In The Habit

For a supposed 'prince of darkness', Peter Murphy is a remarkably chipper conversationalist. As the frontman for '80s post-punk pioneers Bauhaus, Murphy was instrumental in the development of what would eventually come to be known as goth subculture. His emaciated frame, theatrical vocal style, romantic lyricism and monochromatic style laid the foundation for the entire movement.

Yet, he's far from moribund. Theatrical, expressive and passionate even in conversation, Murphy's mien is nevertheless more playful than anything else. He explains, he overstates, he obfuscates and mocks himself. In the same way that the seemingly depressive goth culture often veiled an almost hedonistic love of life, Murphy's blackened heritage obscures what is essentially a joyous soul.

“I do have a flippant, naughty side. I think sometimes people can misconstrue that as being quite arrogant or indulgent – but I'm just a trooper. I won't let anyone get in my way. If – it doesn't happen much anymore, thankfully, but if – I get confronted with some member of the press being ironic or goofy or talking shit at me,” he chuckles, “I will, if you'll pardon my pride, fuck with them so much. That's my, 'Fuck you'.”

It's often hard to get a read on the man. There's a certain air of self-deprecation to his speech. Still, he's in possession of a confidence and charisma that, beyond unshakeable, is actually almost intimidating. Previous interviews are littered with claims comparing himself to David Bowie and Muhammad Ali. It's difficult to know whether he's being egotistical, sincere, frivolous or some mixture of the lot.

“Oh, I'm not comparing myself to Muhammad Ali specifically,” he clarifies quickly. “I'm just saying I'm one of those. Those one-offs. I think I am. I know that might be a little too much blowing of one's own trumpet. It's not a very Brit or Aussie thing to do, I know. In a way, it's quite Dali-esque. It's about owning yourself. I'm a Sinatra. I'm a Jim Morrison. It probably does suggest a certain arrogance but, you know what, why apologise?

“Why not make mistakes? I'm not going to be careful and politically correct all the time. You know, no one's perfect,” he laughs. “I'm going to be as honest as I can, even if it ends up with me making mistakes. Even if I end up giving that impression, so what? Who really cares? I'm alright. I'm a good bloke. Really, I think of myself as more determined than arrogant.”

That said, his priorities ultimately remain quite clear. He may take some delight in messing with his detractors but, even through his manifold misdirections, Murphy's love and respect for his craft is obvious. The man simply loves to entertain. His excursion to Australia may be ostensibly to tour his 2011 album, Ninth, but it's telling that he'll be performing Bauhaus work as well. He'll do almost anything to entertain a crowd.

“I've always said that if you can get someone to my show, I'll keep them there. I'm quite confident about that. You know, I blow my own trumpet and talk myself up, but after people come to the show they don't disagree,” the singer smiles. “Because I love doing it. I always have. I love touring and I love performing. Obviously, it's my bread-and-butter as a musician – but I feel quite lucky in that I'd happily do it anyway.

“I used to shy away from playing Bauhaus songs live but, these days I just don't want to be that self-indulgent. I can't be one of those aging artists who says, 'Oh, come to my show, listen to my pleasant-but-kind-of-boring new album and pretend that other stuff never existed.' I feel I owe it to the audience to play those songs, really.”

Peter Murphy will be playing the following dates:

Wednesday 9 January - The Bakery, Perth WA
Thursday 10 January - The Gov, Adelaide SA
Friday 11 January - Corner Hotel, Melbourne VIC
Saturday 12 January - Factory Theatre, Sydney NSW
Sunday 13 January - Beetle Bar, Brisbane QLD