Perth-based songwriter Peter Bibby has always been something of an individual.
His raw, honest style of storytelling is quintessentially Australian. The charmingly chaotic West Australian has been called a “punk poet”, a “spokesperson for the working class of his generation” and, in his own words, “a bit of a f***ing nutbag”.
His music ranges from gritty punk-rock to lazy pop-rock reminiscent of Paul Kelly, with lyrics focusing on mundane experiences that connect to the existential themes of life and love.
Since releasing his debut album Butcher / Hairstylist / Beautician in 2014, most of Bibby’s music has been delivered both with a band and under the influence.
But this month Bibby comes to Geelong travelling solo and off the drink, wrapping up an east coast run of 14 shows.
“I stopped drinking alcohol about two years ago… I used to drink a lot to quell the nerves before I’d get on stage, and that would shoot me into this different persona,” he said.
“Then that sort of leaked into the rest of my life, and I realised I was becoming this person I didn’t really feel like was actually me.”
Playing solo is also both freeing and challenging, he said.
“When you’ve got a band you can just keep on going… say thank you, how ya going, then keep on rocking,” Bibby said.
“But I’m taking the opportunity to just play whatever I want, stuff from the whole catalogue.
“First and foremost, it’s just a joy. On this tour particularly, I get to meet all these people who have been so affected by the music I make, which is a really special thing.”
Peter Bibby is at Barwon Club on Sunday, September 28.
