Hot on the heels of his summer success and a quick visit to the Middle East (as you do), Lee Harding and Bedrock are back in Oz for a national tour that should wet the appetites of fans before a new album is unleashed. It’s been ages since I chatted to Lee Harding, the lovable punk who brought showmanship to the Idol stage in 2005. I hadn’t heard the news that Lee was visiting the Middle East for a morale-boosting series of shows for the Australian and American troops.
“It was awesome,” says Lee, who just returned to Australian shores. You can tell by the excitement in his voice that the trip was enlightening. When I ask if the tour was risky, he plays down the danger. “I never felt endangered,” Lee replies. “But you’re exactly right - I don’t think you’d go to Iraq for a holiday.”
It sounds like a good way to lift the troops’ spirits – a thrashing rock band that’s willing to really make some noise. But surely there were a few cynics – a couple of hard-nuts? “I had great chats to all of them,” Lee says. “Even the ones who thought they wouldn’t enjoy me at the start, I really changed their outlook which was great. We played to American troops as well and the Americans actually bought all the CDs in the first two days. I think they loved the stage show – just a good old-fashioned rock show so they could get up and jump around.”
Now that Lee has experienced the sensation of playing to audiences overseas, it’s time to hunker down and tend to a busy schedule, which includes writing songs for a new album. As the amiable solo star reveals, there could be a few surprises on offer when his second album hits the shelves. “We’re looking at something a bit more rockier. I think everyone loves the rock. I love the rock!” he adds with a laugh. “I think that’s what we’re destined to do, rather than the pop-punk style.”
Lee’s forthcoming tour sees Bedrock circumnavigating Australia during a fast-paced trip to most capital cities. Opening for INXS last week was definitely a good warm-up for the lads. “It was awesome,” Lee replies, barely able to contain himself. “We probably played to about 8 to10 thousand (people). We had an absolute ball doing it. INXS absolutely blew our minds away and it really opened up my eyes to everything I want to do. JD Fortune as a front man was absolutely unbelievable. Words can’t describe it. He was great to watch and very educational at the same time.” Lee admits he suffered from the classic ‘I’m not worthy’ syndrome, but part of Harding’s secret is his ability to learn and evolve. “You’re never going to know everything,” he says. “So I think you constantly learn throughout your whole life”.
A huge support gig is one thing, but the chart-topping artist is looking forward to getting back to the people who made his whole incredible journey possible. “I love meeting people,” Lee admits. “It’s one of the highlights of what I do. There wouldn’t be anything without them.” I ask why Lee is so devoted to his fans and he’s quick to add, “I think it’s just common courtesy. If they didn‘t like me, I wouldn’t be where I am and if I don’t thank them for that, I might not be around for much longer,” he says with a laugh.
Lee Harding and Bedrock tour the nation throughout September and thanks to the Australian Idol website, you and 4 friends could be enjoying the concert of your choice, meeting Lee in person and taking home a signed memento of your rockin’ night. Just click here to check tour dates and enter the Meet Lee Harding Competition.
