Daniel Thompson is no stranger to Port Macquarie having performed his Johnny Cash Walk the Line show here last year, and The Greats of ‘70s Country Music in 2016.
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“The Glasshouse is a great venue, I like it there,” Thompson says.
On this occasion he brings us Johnny Cash at Folsom Prison, in honour of the 50th anniversary of that album’s release. “I think it’s one of the greatest live albums ever recorded. It took him from being a star to a superstar.”
Thompson says in 1968, it was pretty unusual to record an album live, especially at a maximum security prison. “It was a big risk for him [Cash].”
During his performance, Thompson will talk about why Cash chose to do the album at Folsom.
Thompson’s credentials as a Cash tribute artist are solid. Since he began in 2009, more than 50,000 people have seen him on stage.
“When you actually sit down an add up how many people, it’s hugely rewarding. It’s nice to go back to a venue each year and get good attendance. Often those who have never been [before] say they weren’t sure about coming along, but they’re glad they did,” he says.
In addition to the complete Folsom Prison album, Thompson and his stage partner Stuie French will perform about 15 of Cash’s biggest hits.
“Always when we put a show together, we have to consider what we can do in the time. There are so many in the Johnny Cash catalogue, he recorded more than 1500 songs.
“I guess the most significant are the Folsom Prison, and San Quentin lives albums. Everyone knows My Name is Sue – he gave it everything he had, and had a bit of fun with it.”
One thing is for sure, don’t ever let him hear you say Cash wasn’t much of a singer. “I will argue that ‘til I’m blue in the face. [His voice] it was very unusual I’ll give you that, but it’s something else. It’s like playing a game of footy, my body, the next day, it hurts – because it’s such a physical way of singing.”
Thompson gives the audience the authentic Cash experience. But, he did say he would have a new suit. “Last time I was in Port Macquarie I split my pants. I looked down and knew there was no hiding that. I promise the wardrobe will be totally in tact.”