Bernard Fanning, the revered voice behind Australian rock giants Powderfinger, is preparing to embark on a national tour celebrating the 20th anniversary of his seminal solo debut, Tea & Sympathy. In a characteristically candid interview, Fanning peeled back the layers on the album's creation, his life on the road, and shared some unexpectedly strong opinions on everything from John Lennon to reality television.
The Hungover Birth of a Classic
The genesis of one of the album's most beloved tracks, 'Wish You Well', is a tale of bleary-eyed inspiration. Fanning reveals the song emerged during a severe hangover, just as he was preparing to leave for the UK to record the album. 'I got wasted,' he admits. The next morning, nursing a cup of tea, the entire song flowed out in a mere 15 minutes. 'Freight train rattled through my head – I was hungover as a donkey,' he laughs, decoding the lyrics that perfectly captured his state: the end of a long-term relationship and a throbbing headache.
Two decades on, revisiting these deeply personal songs night after night brings a unique perspective. Fanning dismisses the romantic notion that each performance is infused with the original raw emotion. 'Sometimes you're on stage and you're like, 'Fuck, did I leave the iron on?'' he confesses. His primary drive remains selfishly artistic: to write music he enjoys. The profound connection fans have forged with Tea & Sympathy is, in his words, 'an unreal bonus.'
Guitar Riffs, Controversial Takes & Touring Rituals
When pressed on the greatest guitar riff of all time, Fanning doesn't hesitate: John Lennon's work on The Beatles' 'Day Tripper.' He praises its melodic ingenuity and the iconic sound of the recording itself. This led to a discussion of controversial pop culture opinions, notably fellow Australian icon Paul Kelly's declaration that Lennon's 'Imagine' is 'one of the worst songs ever written.' While Fanning respectfully disagrees, he proposes it as a perfect debate for the public sphere.
His own surprising confession? A deep affection for the late-night reality show First Dates Australia. 'It's actually a masterpiece,' he claims, describing it as the ideal, undemanding entertainment after exhausting back-to-back tour dates. Sleep, however, is a constant battle on the road. Despite trying a medical marijuana prescription, Fanning has found that copious exercise is the most effective remedy for his high-strung nature and the early morning wake-ups that threaten his vocal recovery.
Beastie Boys, Beloved Guitars & Facial Rice Concoctions
The interview took a memorable turn with the story of Fanning's most cringeworthy celebrity encounter. On the 2005 Big Day Out tour with the Beastie Boys, he found the group, including the reportedly Buddhist Adam 'MCA' Yauch, to be 'really fucking rude and extremely unfriendly.' The tension culminated after the final show in Perth. As Fanning sat in a departing car, Yauch approached and offered a Buddhist bow. Fanning's response? 'I gave him the finger.' He jokes about the headline it might inspire, but stands by the reaction.
On a sweeter note, Fanning's favourite instrument is the acoustic guitar he purchased just before recording Tea & Sympathy. He speaks of it like a cherished family member, noting how a well-cared-for guitar's tone mellows and improves with age. As for the strangest item currently in his fridge? A skincare 'rice concoction' belonging to his daughter that bears an unfortunate resemblance to regurgitated milk.
Bernard Fanning's Tea & Sympathy 20th Anniversary Tour will traverse Australia in February and March 2026, offering fans a chance to experience the classic album live, complete with all the stories, riffs, and perhaps a few new thoughts on leaving the iron on.
