The former front man of Powderfinger, Mr Bernard Fanning, is back and in full force. Just when we thought he’d fallen off the face of the earth, Bernard is back and baring it all, confirming the release of a new album!
The iconic Aussie muso recently jumped back on the scene when he announced, on Triple J radio, that he would be making an appearance at the station’s One Night Stand in Geraldton, alongside the much loved Australian indie-folk rock band, Boy & Bear. Their collaboration was nothing short of musical genius, as they covered a highly anticipated Crowded House classic, ‘Fall At Your Feet’. True to the Bern, his vocals were beautifully delivered as he shared the reins with David Hoskins, lead vocalist and front man of Boy & Bear – even busting out a classic dad dance-move or two.
But it doesn’t stop there, because the Bern is well and truly back baby! After breaking Australian hearts everywhere, when announcing the split of Powderfinger back in 2010, Bernard has restored our weary, deprived ears, announcing he has, in fact, recorded a new solo album. The excitement is barely containable; although this isn’t the first time Bernard Fanning has gone solo – Bernard did release two solo albums post-Powderfinger, including Tea and Sympathy (2005), and Departures (2013). Confirmation from the legend himself, means we can expect the albums release July or August, or “mid-year” if you prefer – he likes to keep us anticipating.
Fanning has confirmed he’s worked with old friend and colleague, Nick Didia, in producing the album. Nick Didia is responsible for producing most of Powderfingers hits, so it’s safe to say we’re in for a treat. Besides, this may be the closest we ever get to a Powderfinger reunion; we’ll honestly take anything you’ve got, Bernard.
In other news, our conservative, shy, little Bernard has been spitting some serious political heat over social media lately. Doing the rounds on the social-media-sphere, Bernard’s ‘Belly of the Beast’, political-music clip is demanding our eyes, ears and a conscious vote in this coming Federal election. Bernard released the clip on his Facebook, urging the Western world to “vote and make your voice heard”. Perhaps could we suggest Bernard for Prime Minister? You’ve got our vote, Bernard.
While Bernard himself is the first to admit he’s not much for social media, he recently made the bold move to speak out for the battler and in light of his own personal political beliefs. Putting those big, beautiful vocal cords to good use, Bernard has been extremely vocal on the political scheme of things. Having recently shared articles to his Facebook page on rather controversial topics such as offshore processing and the detention of refugees, saying “we can do a lot better”.
In light of this and in less serious Bernard-news, he also landed himself a spot on Playschool. Yes, you heard right, the TV program for children. You know you’ve really hit the big-time as an Aussie legend when you’ve been invited to chill with Jemima and Big Ted. Keeping his vocal cords warm, Bernard sang a song on the program which will air in June, to celebrate Playschools 50th anniversary.
Speaking of career milestones, Bernard’s also turned to social media warning there is a Bernard-imposter on the loose, on Facebook. Apparently a fake and unofficial account has been set up in the singers name claiming to be non-other then our beloved Mr Fanning himself. It seems completely logical, because who wouldn’t want to be Bernard Fanning? He’s pretty swell, and while we acknowledge that imitation is the biggest form of flattery, you’ve still got to feel for the guy, who like many celebrities has somebody trying to be him. So, won’t the real Bernard Fanning please stand up?
While we eagerly await any further information on the upcoming album, be sure not to friend any shady Bernard Fanning characters on Facebook.
We can only hope that with the release of a new album, comes a tour. Keep your eyes out for a fun, Berny sing-along on Playschool and get with the politics and give ‘Belly of the Beast’, a blast.
