If ever there was a stunning reproach of another musicians choices, I should think this is one of the more severe ones.
In a recent interview with Blunt Magazine, The Church frontman, Steve Kilbey reflected on the way ageing musicians often chase relevance, sometimes at the cost of dignity. He’s seen it firsthand, and he’s made it his mission to avoid falling into the same trap.
Kilbey went on to reflect on one incident that provoked significant ire within him.
“I saw Van Morrison once. He didn’t want to be there. He had his back turned, didn’t like anything. And I thought, ‘You miserable old sod!’ We’ve paid money, and you’re acting like this?”
The moment stuck. It became a line in the sand for Kilbey. A reminder of what he needed to not become. “No matter where we are, or who we’re playing for, I’m going to try my hardest,” he said. “I’ll be glad for whoever shows up. I don’t believe in turning your back on the audience. I won’t be rude. That’s just not going to happen.”
Rather than chasing trends or running from the past, Kilbey has found a strange sort of peace in his career. He’s since accepted the contradictions that the music industry can create. The endless push and pull that can swallow artists whole if they’re not careful.
Kilbey clearly doesn’t see the point in pretending to be something he’s not. So he doesn’t. I mean you only need to listen to the Church’s last two albums to realise that they are not a band pretending to relive their glory days. They’re pushing forward and trying new things.
And perhaps that’s the real secret to longevity: stop trying to be cool, and stop trying to be something you’re not. For Kilbey, it’s about playing the songs, feeling grateful, and never becoming the miserable old sod who once turned his back on a paying crowd. Not a bad legacy, all things considered.
The Church are performing in Frankston, Barwon Heads, Melbourne, Canberra, Perth, Wollongong, Sydney, Tweed Heads, Brisbane, Sunshine Coast and Adelaide as part of their The Church: The Singles Tour from November 6. Tickets can be purchased here.
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