What are the biggest differences between touring regional centres and metropolitan ones?
Crowdwise, the people in regional areas tend to be more enthusiastic. Driving to regional towns is always a fantastic experience; seeing the beautiful landscape is extremely relaxing. And people are usually more relaxed in the country.

Any advantages of touring regionally, compared to metropolitan tours?
It's relaxing, you get to connect with the young people and chat to the locals. Seeing parts of Australia you never would get to see.

Any disadvantages?
Probably not as much choices with food. We usually end up eating a shitload of pizza.

How many regional tours have you done? How extensive have they been?
We've been touring around Oz for 15 years and have been to a lot of country towns — and driven on a lot of country roads. We've been to the Northern Territory, Alice Springs, far north Queensland, Kalgoorlie, Margaret River, Loxton in South Australia, many regional centres in NSW and Victoria. Places like Birchip and Singleton are very isolated towns.

What's the smallest or the most remote centre you've included on a tour?
Probably Birchip. For remoteness, definitely Kalgoorlie.

Have you found shows to be better or worse received in regional areas?
Oh, always better. Especially when we do an all ages. The kids just love it. They always chat with you after the show and are very excited that there's something happening in their town.

Do you have a personal preference for regional or metropolitan shows?
I enjoy playing, full stop. So put me on a stage and I'll go.

Had any problems getting around on regional legs?
Oh yes, we had to do a festival in Bathurst in NSW and had to go over the Blue Mountains. Our gear van was held up in Sydney and we were running very late. We didn't think we were going to make it… we kept getting updates from the site manager at the festival and we finally pulled in and basically had to jump on stage — I still had my handbag on my shoulder as I was setting up. The whole crowd knew we might not make it so when we jumped up on stage there was a big cheer.

What has been your best (or worst!) regional tour or show experience?
We were in Bendigo and there was a circus there as well, next door to the town hall we were playing in. I remember a bunch of kids tormenting some lions that were in a cage. I told them off and they ran away!