Earlier this month Josh Maynard received a phone call inviting him to play the biggest gig of his career.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The 22-year-old from Cowra was asked to open for Cold Chisel at A Day on the Green in Orange on February 1.
"I mean, I wasn't going to say no to that," Maynard said.
"Chisel's huge aren't they? "A pinnacle of Australian music. The status, size and sheer influence on Australian culture. Chisel is massive."
The invite came off the back of a weather blown opportunity in Tullamore in November, where Maynard had been scheduled to support Jimmy Barnes on his national tour.
Chisel's huge aren't they? "A pinnacle of Australian music. The status, size and sheer influence on Australian culture. Chisel is massive
- Josh Maynard
"That afternoon the wind kicked up and it was just horrible weather," Maynard said.
"There was dust everywhere. The whole crowd was covered from head to toe."
Mother nature's curveball meant the start time for the show had to be pushed back later into the night and Maynard got bumped from the lineup to keep the Barnesy fans from rioting.
Since promoters called to invite the singer-song writer to perform at Heifer Station Wines instead, his phone has been blowing up with messages of congratulations.
Friends, family and fans, whose votes in a talent competition had scored him the performance at Tullamore, have all been in touch.
"It's amazing how much support I've had," he said. "Without them I wouldn't have had this opportunity."
Maynard has been working towards a gig this big since he was a child, having picked up his love of music from his dad.
"Dad was a drummer. He encouraged the guitar because it's something that is portable and you can play anywhere," he said.
Home schooled by his university professor parents, Maynard said the guitar was always under the table or on his lap while the books were out.
It is not uncommon for him to spend eight hours a day strumming away at their property in Cowra.
"It's a blessing but a bit of a burden," he said.
A Day on the Green attendees can expect a mix of covers and originals during Maynard's 45-minute set.
"We'll have a good time," Maynard said.
A DAY ON THE GREEN:
- 4pm - Gates open
- 4.15pm - Josh Maynard
- 5.15pm - Magic Dirt
- 6.30pm - Birds Of Tokyo
- 8pm - Cold Chisel
DO YOU WANT MORE ORANGE NEWS?
- Receive our free newsletters delivered to your inbox, as well as breaking news alerts. Sign up below ...