Roy Orbison’s music has been a huge part of Dean Bourne’s life.
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Bourne has been playing Orbison’s songs on stages around the country for 21 years, and at the end of this month will drive all night to bring his songs to Orange.
He won’t be alone, however, as successful country music singer Chris Callaghan will bring the sound of Johnny Cash to the stage alongside him when they play the ‘Men in Black Tour’ at the Orange Ex-Services’ Club on April 28.
Bourne has been touring with Roy Orbison’s songs for decades – in recent years doing 70 or 80 shows a year, including orchestra tours in capital cities last year and a sold-out tour of the UK – but this is the first time he’s combined the show with Johnny Cash songs.
It’s a natural fit, as Cash and Orbison were good friends for decades, with Cash once remarking “we became like brothers right from the start”.
“The concept of Cash and Ray [Orbison] goes back a long, long way,” Bourne said.
This is Bourne’s first time working with Callaghan, and said he is a great musician to travel with and – importantly – does Cash “tremendous justice”.
Classics such as Pretty Woman, Only The Lonely, Walk The Line and Ring of Fire will all make their way onto stage to be given new life by Callaghan and Bourne.
Bourne said both Orbison and Cash’s discographies were “timeless”.
“It has an ability to connect with people,” he said.
“Orbison had an ability to connect with people with lyrics and vocals and there’s been no-one like him since.”
Bourne grew up around the rock and roll music from the 50s and 60s, and his father was a singer which lead to Bourne singing at talent quests.
“People mentioned I sounded like [Orbison] and it just sort of went from there … I’m fortunate and lucky to to have a vocal range similar to him” he said.
He said he loved touring regional areas.
“We’re received so well and it’s why we keep returning,” Bourne said.
“People in regional areas are often starved of good entertainment and we’re very happy to do what we can.
“People are very salt of the earth and it’s always nice to get away from the hustle and bustle of Sydney, you just get to step back in the pace of life.
“We’re looking to give people a great night of music and nostalgia so that everyone can have a good time.”
The Men in Black Tour arrives at the Orange Ex-Services’ Club on April 28, before heading to Canberra and Sydney.
Head to http://oesc.com.au/men-in-black-tour-orbison-cash/ for tickets.