By Luke Voogt
Victorian impersonator Paul Hogan is cashing in on Robbie Williams’ latest tour of Australia, with his tribute show in high demand across the state.
“I’ve been doing him for quite a while,” he told the Indy this week.
“But I’ve been doing a lot of Robbie gigs lately – I think him coming out has created a bit of extra work.”
But rather than pinching a bit of the born entertainer’s publicity, Hogan said his shows would get Robbie fans even more pumped for the real thing.
“Let me get you revved up for the real Robbie.”
Hogan performs at White Eagle House on 17 February, a couple of weeks before Williams himself comes to Mount Duneed.
With Williams’ show selling out hours after going on sale, Hogan’s tribute could be the only chance for local Robbie fans to experience all his hits live.
“I’ll also be throwing a few swing numbers during the night,” he said.
Hogan said he had performed more as Robbie recently than any time in the last decade.
“When he was really popular back in 2008 and 2009 we were doing Robbie shows every week.”
He was happy to ride on the wave of publicity Robbie’s return had generated and appreciated venues contacting him for extra gigs.
“Why not?” he said. “Robbie just needs some new hits, that’s all.
“He’s put out new albums but for some reason they haven’t done very well over here.“
People first noticed the resemblance between Hogan and Williams when he studied music at Ballarat in 2003.
“A lot of people used to come up to me when I was singing swing and said you sound a lot like Robbie.”
Hogan, not to be confused with the iconic Australian comedian, said people often thought he was joking when he told them his name.
“They think I’m trying to be smart.
“Well, I am a bit like (Hogan) I guess – I’m a bit whacky at times and we’re both entertainers.”
His Robbie Williams Show has sold out venues of all sizes, and saw him perform at the 2008 Masters Games.
He performed as Robbie with the 100% Kylie Show, the world’s top Kylie Minogue tribute, for the 2015 Grand Opening of Pacific Werribee.
He has also appeared in several advertisements on national TV.
When not performing as the bad boy of pop, he headlines tribute bands such as The Australian Beach Boys and Summer Hits Show.
He was keen to get to Geelong next month to pay homage to Williams.
“Let Paul Hogan entertain you!” he said.
Bookings are available through trybookings.com.au or by phoning phone White Eagle House on 5229 1009 for more information.
