Music
We talk to Wes Carr from Rolling Thunder Vietnam
Rolling Thunder Vietnam is a powerful and insightful stage show that tells the story of young soldiers in the Vietnam War and explores themes of combat, conscription, protest and finally the return home.
The stories are brought to life beautifully with the added help of the amazing music of the 1960s and 1970s. Highlights include Fortunate Son (Credence Clearwater Revival), The Letter (Joe Cocker), Killing Me Softly (Roberta Flack), Help Me Make It Through the Night (Gladys Knight) and What’s Going On (Marvin Gaye).
It is hard to believe 2016 marks 50 years since the Battle of Long Tan. Half a century may have passed but the tales of the Vietnam War and the lessons learned are still as prevalent and important today as they were in 1966.
The performers are world-class and really make this stage show what it is. Wes Carr, Ben Mingay, Tom Oliver and William Ewing will take to the stage at Melbourne’s Palais Theatre, Sydney’s State Theatre, the WIN Entertainment Centre in Wollongong and Crown Theatre Perth in July and August. Click here to purchase tickets now.
One of the stars of the show, Wes Carr, spoke to us to talk about Rolling Thunder Vietnam, the amazing music of the show and his experience as a winner of Australian Idol. Check out our interview with Wes below and make sure you secure your tickets for Rolling Thunder Vietnam now!
Ticketmaster: Thanks for talking to us, Wes. Can you tell us a little bit about Rolling Thunder Vietnam and your role in the production?
Wes Carr: My character is Andy and I play the role of a soldier that is conscripted and goes off to war. He tells his experience through script and song.
Ticketmaster: Incredibly, it has been 50 years since the Battle of Long Tan. Can you talk about how the production explores various themes and aspects of the Vietnam War?
Wes Carr: The show is set predominantly during the late 60s when it was a turbulent time in history. It encapsulates major dates in our history and also it crosses to what was going on in America with the assassination of Bobby Kennedy and Martin Luther King.
The Battle of Long Tan took place on 18th August in 1966. It was a significant battle for Australia and a victory. The operation ended on 21st August. 18 Australians were killed and 24 wounded. The Viet Cong reported 245 dead. The importance of the victory was that it was a major setback for the Viet Cong and an imminent move against Nui Dat.
The show talks about three soldiers’ journeys. One is a US Marine, one is conscripted (played by me) and the other goes to war voluntarily. It explores the different experiences each soldier had. During this time projection is featured and amazing music of the era.
Ticketmaster: The concert features some amazing songs of the 60s and 70s from Aussie and international artists. Which is your favourite to sing live?
Wes Carr: I think having played ‘All Along the Watchtower’ a million times over on tours over the years – singing it with this band is one of the most dynamic parts of the show. There is an electric energy when we perform it. Also, I perform ‘Born To Be Wild’ whilst doing clap push ups which is certainly something I never thought I would do.
Ticketmaster: What are some of the other songs the audience can expect to hear when attending Rolling Thunder Vietnam?
Wes Carr: The songs are critical to the show and they are iconic. Songs such as Magic Carpet Ride, Black Magic Woman, The Letter, Killing Me Softly With His Song as well as Fortunate Son, All Along the Watchtower just to name a few.
Ticketmaster: The performances in Melbourne will be held at the iconic Palais Theatre. It must be a thrill to perform at one of Melbourne’s legendary venues?
Wes Carr: Yes absolutely. The old iconic live music venues have a certain magic and energy about them. As if all the walls have a millions songs etched into them, and you feel the power and history of a place such as the Palais when you are on stage. It really helps you perform better. Live music is so important more than ever these days. It’s venues like the Palais that give us all the opportunity to feel the raw power of the people coming together for the sake of music and art.
Ticketmaster: You won Australian Idol in 2008. What was that experience like and how did it assist your career as a singer
Wes Carr: It gave me the platform to get my music out to a bigger audience. I say to every musician you really have to know your craft to enter The Voice or Australian Idol. It’s not about fame, money or the expectations you have. It won’t set you free; it’s not the be-all and end-all. Get your intention right as an artist, know yourself then you are much more equipped to take the leap of faith. Don’t limit your craft by trying to fit into pigeon holes, everything is art, you just got to believe in it, be as humble as you can, and treat it with respect.
Ticketmaster: If you could perform with anyone, who would you pick?
Wes Carr: Well last year I performed with Cold Chisel at their last Sydney show, I joined them on stage to perform a song I wrote with Don Walker ‘LOST’ which they released, which was ultra cool. Being an Adelaide boy it was a bucket moment. Others would be going wild with Hendrix or song writing with Lennon – but I think we would butt heads.
Ticketmaster: Which people or artists have had the biggest influence on your career?
Wes Carr: John Lennon, Kurt Cobain, Michael Jackson, Joe Cocker, Jimi Hendrix and Bruce Springsteen.
Ticketmaster: Rolling Thunder Vietnam has some amazingly talented people in the cast. Can you tell us a little about your co-performers?
Wes Carr: We have Ben Mingay who is playing the role of a US Marine, Thomas. Ben has had an amazing theatre and television career. He is known in the theatre world and he has just completed a role in Hackshaw Ridge with Mel Gibson. Tom Oliver was in RTV in 2014 and he is a talent having been on The Voice and recently released his own EP which I produced at my new studio Hummingbird in Queensland.
Ticketmaster: Thanks for joining us, Wes, and all the best with your upcoming shows.
Rolling Thunder Vietnam Tour Dates
Palais Theatre (Melbourne): July 23 – 1.30pm 7pm
State Theatre (Sydney): July 28-30 – 7.30pm & Sat 2pm.
WIN Entertainment Centre (Wollongong): August 2 – 7.30pm
Crown Theatre (Perth): August 17-20 7.30pm & Sat 2pm
Click here to purchase tickets now.
