By JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
The enduring music of John Denver has proved to be an inspiration for fans across the globe, not least New Zealander Bevan Gardiner.
Gardiner said he became an almost instant fan when he first heard a John Denver cassette tape when he was seven while travelling on a family holiday.
The young Gardiner was so inspired by the purity of Denver’s music that he decided there and then that he wanted to sing and play just like his idol.
“I’ve been a fan of John Denver’s for more than 20 years so to now sing his songs is a dream come true,” he said.
Gardiner is the voice of Denver in Take Me Home – The Music and Life of John Denver which is now touring nationally.
Despite being partially sighted and only seeing people as silhouettes, Gardiner brings a rich and in-depth portrayal of Denver to the stage, backed by a full band.
What he lacks in sight Gardiner more than makes up in his ear for music.
“It’s a part of nature’s balancing act, I suppose,” Gardiner said.
“I am legally blind, something I was born with, and it’s deteriorated since my youth.
“But if one sense is taken away then another takes over and the next primary sense is hearing.”
Despite a reasonably well-known story, with its Australian connections, Gardiner finds audiences still find new areas of interest in Denver’s life after enjoying the show.
“I talk to audiences after the show and they tell me they knew the story to a degree but there are always certain things they didn’t know.
“It’s an up and down emotional roller coaster of a show because we go in-depth and we’re open about his life.
“Artists of that calibre wear their heart on their sleeve and can be up and down. As a creative type, you feel that and can empathise with those events in life.”
The show features original archival footage giving audiences a background on Denver’s life and the inspiration for his songs.
Take Me Home – The Music and Life of John Denver is at the Geelong Performing Arts Centre on 9 March.
