Music

Q&A

Damien Leith tells us about his love of gospel & Elvis

Damien Leith chats to Ticketmaster about his upcoming gospel gig at Arts Centre Melbourne

See available tickets

Damien Leith has had a remarkable journey since he emerged in the Australian Idol auditions in 2006, having notched up eight multi-platinum studio albums in the 10 years since.

This month, the Irish-Australian singer will pay homage to the one and only Elvis Presley with a special show at Arts Centre Melbourne – Playhouse.

40 years on from the legend’s passing, Damien Leith will dedicate his whole show to the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, performing his gospel classics in particular; including songs like How Great Thou Art, You Saw Me Crying in the Chapel, Peace in the Valley, Amazing Grace, Glory Glory Hallelujah and You’ll Never Walk Alone.

Ahead of the show on Wednesday (16 August), we chat to Damien about rehearsals, dressing room essentials and the influence Elvis has had on his own career.

So Damien, what can fans expect from ‘Elvis – The Gospel Collection’?

An amazing night of soul-filling music! There will be 15 of us on stage with horns, keys, piano, a backing vocal group of some of the finest singers in Australia; it’s going to be huge!

The show is almost here, how have you been preparing?

I have been doing lots of rehearsals with all the band in Sydney and Melbourne – fine tuning the set list, making sure we are sounding amazing and doing the gospel songs justice.

The show also marks the 40th anniversary of Elvis Presley’s death – for you, what makes him such an iconic artist?

Elvis was just a persona that you couldn’t pigeon hole, he was an actor, entertainer and his voice was so smooth but he could also rock it out. He was the king of Rock ‘n’ Roll and he also did gospel; he could do it all. He was so unique and knew who he was as an artist and I admire that so much; owning his confidence and commanding audiences all over the world.

And you’re focusing on one of his great loves, gospel music – what makes the genre such a unique for you?

The warmth of the music and the fact that you don’t have to be religious to enjoy it; it’s for everyone and it really is like food for the soul. It can be heartfelt and upbeat all in one.

What three essential things would we find in your dressing room before any show?

Lemon, hot water and Manuka honey… so rock ‘n’ roll! [laughs]

If you could curate a concert with any musicians past and present, who would you put on the line-up and why?

Roy Orbison, Elvis and Freddy Mercury, now that would be one powerhouse group! I love all their voices and combined [it] would be magic.

Damien Leith performs ‘Elvis – The Gospel Collection’ at Arts Centre Melbourne – Playhouse this Wednesday (16 August). Be quick to secure remaining tickets.