Daniel Designing a Cash-ful Career

In the 60s Johnny Cash performed in Tasmania at Burnie and Devonport. Occasionally, when he is in Tasmania Daniel Thompson, Johnny Cash tribute artist, will be greeted by one of those lucky people that did attend those early concerts and they reminisce with Daniel about the time they were in the company of the man in black.

Daniel has now toured the Johnny Cash tribute show to Tassie around six or seven times and it is becoming an annual tradition. Daniel says Tassie’s ‘a great part of the world’ and his only complaint is that because when he does visit, it is for work and he doesn’t have enough time to see more of the state but each time he does visit he tries to take a little bit more in.

Daniel is thrilled to be performing at the Theatre Royal again and enjoys the waterfront and historic buildings and of course those same scenic areas are a lovely place to have breakfast! Daniel tells me that this time round, a second show has been scheduled for Launceston, such is the demand.

When he was younger Daniel considered careers in design, architecture or engineering but it seemed music was always going to capture his heart and soul, growing up with both his mum and dad musicians. Daniel tells me that Sunday afternoons were music sessions at his house with many of his parent’s friends rocking up with instruments, much to the chagrin of their neighbours.

It seemed Daniel’s sister would evade the music tradition, taking up a career in photography but even she could not escape the family passion, with she and her husband setting up a company that produces music videos!

Daniel says that often at the ‘meet and greet’ after his Johnny Cash tribute show, an audience member might give him a hug thanking him for giving them a glimpse of what it would have been like to see Johnny Cash live. This is important to Daniel and he puts in a great effort to create the authentic feel of a Johnny Cash concert, starting with the familiar black suit ‘ a given’ says Daniel. He also tries not to play any guitar type on stage that Johnny himself wouldn’t use. Daniel’s also studied all of Johnny’s nuances to create an uncanny likeness to the famed singer, not to mention being blessed with a Cash like voice. This attention to detail is important in attempting to create the way Johnny himself put across songs. Daniel says that all the kind comments he receives justify the efforts he puts in to the shows and is appreciative of the time to talk with the audience afterwards at the meet and greets.

When he isn’t playing Johnny Cash Daniel is part of the country music scene and does a regular show at Tamworth. You can see Daniel as the man in black at the following times and venues.

Friday, 18 September 2015 – Theatre Royal – HOBART, TAS
www.theatreroyal.com.au / (03) 6233 2299

Saturday, 19 September 2015 – Launceston Country Club – LAUNCESTON, TAS
www.countryclubtasmania.com.au / 1300 795 257
Paula Xiberras