Tex Perkins.
Camera IconTex Perkins. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Tex Perkins is The Man in Black at Regal Theatre

Greig JohnstonEastern Reporter

AFTER decades spent writing and performing his own music, Tex Perkins seems right at home invoking the spirit of Johnny Cash.

He first channelled Cash back in his first band, Tex Deadly and the Dum-Dums, as a 16-year-old and brought The Man in Black tribute show to life in 2009.

The show is returning to Perth next month and Perkins said his affinity with Cash ran deep.

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“We played Johnny Cash songs in the Dum-Dums,” Perkins said.

“Probably for two reasons – they were pretty simple but also they had really cool lyrics that had a darkness and a humour.

“A lot of people serve up different Johnny Cashes – I guess our show is about the duality of Johnny Cash.

“On one hand he was very religious, patriotic, all about the family. On the other hand he was this out of control maniac drug addict who liked to cut holes in the walls of motel rooms with power tools.”

Perkins’ career has been remarkable, from the punk/electronica hybrid Thug through to Beasts of Bourbon and the commercial success of The Cruel Sea.

Those outfits were followed by the critically acclaimed Tex, Don and Charlie, as well as Tex Perkins and the Dark Horses.

And while music still means the world to Perkins, the father of five’s motivations are now much closer to home.

“I absolutely love being a parent now,” he said.

“It’s actually what defines me. That’s the reason I do anything.

“I’m a musician but whatever I achieve now it’s all to keep this family going.”

THE ESSENTIALS

What: The Man in Black, starring Tex Perkins

Where: Regal Theatre

When: June 2-3

Tickets: www.ticketek.com.au