BOBBY FOX IS A FOX!

Our Straight Mate, from Riverdance to speedo-clad go-go boy to crooning Beatles numbers.

DNA: You’re currently performing in

Come Together: The Music Of The Beatles Orchestrated. How do you prepare for this?

Bobby Fox: I learn the words and find my voice within the songs, making sure it’s the right key to fit either Paul McCartney, John Lennon or George Harrison, but it’s also about choosing the right outfit. You have to feel good when you look in the mirror, then walk out on stage. I also have to make sure I turn up on time!

You must love The Beatles, yes?

I really got into the Beatles at around 16 when my sister introduced me to Revolver. I was absolutely hooked, with songs like Taxman.

It was the beginning of their transcendental meditation period and the acid-based experimental rock of the ’60s.

You perform with Rick Price, Dave Wilkins and Steve Kilby of The Church, but what songs do you get to sing?

Taxman and Tomorrow Never Knows from Revolver. Then there’s Day Tripper, Get Back, Here Comes The Sun and Norwegian Wood, which I play on guitar. Also, Back In The USSR, which is a blinder of a tune and Hey Jude. It’s a great song mix for the true fans… those who know the difference between the cherries and the flour in the cake!

So… you’re in a club; do you automatically hit the floor or do you need a certain song?

If I’m in the mood and looking fresh, I’ll one hundred per cent get up and dance. There’s no real song but I love disco – The Bee Gees and Rick James with Super Freak, and You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real) by Sylvester!

Who’s your music diva?

Robyn is unreal. Dancing On My Own gets me going and I like Adele, but I’m a big fan of Chaka Khan – I Feel For You!

Hmmm, sounds like you may have spent some time in gay clubs?

Oh man! I have spent so much time in gay clubs! At one point they were basically all I went to because all my mates were gay. When I moved to Melbourne I was part of the commercial dance scene and I was a back-up dancer for all the drag queens. A huge chunk of my mates were gay and we’d party at clubs like The Market in South Yarra. We’d perform and get paid in cash and get five free drinks at the bar!

Did you dance topless with a bowtie?

Oh, yeah, there were so many different outfits but generally we were topless. I’ve never had the most chiselled physique but back then I was at my leanest. We’d be topless and accessorise with speedos or a scarf.

Surely guys would’ve been coming onto you in that world?

All the time! But word spread that I was straight. I’d get the odd lad who was like, “Oh? Not for long!” but everyone was fairly nice about it.

Your debut album The Fantastic Mr Fox has a very cool ’60s, Mad Men vibe to it.

Absolutely, and I’m very proud of that album. It’s influenced by ’60s modern jazz with a pop element. In the ’60s they had three-button suits with the split side vents, loafers, tie bars and all that kind of stuff.

Mad Men,

Speaking of you have a bit of a Jon Hamm look about you. Do you ever get mistaken for anyone?

I get Robbie Williams all the time. Even the other day, while I was wearing my covid mask, someone said it! Only seeing half my face they still said, “You look so much like Robbie Williams,” to which I replied, “I actually am Robbie Williams!”

Has anyone ever come out to you?

Back in 2000, the last time I did an Irish dancing show, I had a really good mate who never had girlfriends. We were 18 and one time and I asked how the girl situation was and he said, “Look, I’m gay and I’ve just come out to my parents.” I said, “Dude! That’s awesome! Oh, it all makes sense now!” This was before I had any kind of gaydar ability. My sister in Canada is also gay.

If you were gay, who would be the one?

Hugh Jackman. I feel like he’d take care of me. Even afterwards, I feel like I’d be cared for.

You got your break in Australia playing Frankie Valli in Jersey Boys. What was that experience like?

That was the big one, which launched me as a singer and lead performer. It was amazing, and something like being shot out of a cannon! But, at the end of the day, I had one very singular job, which was to maintain my voice and body, and fulfill my contract to perform six days a week. I learned to become a singer and actor in that role. Beforehand I was in the ensemble of a lot of shows so, for me, Jersey Boys was about cultivating and talent-refining. I still do the singing techniques and pre-show warm-up exercises today.

As well as roles in Mamma Mia! We Will Rock You and Ladies In Black, you’re a former four-time World Irish Dance Champion, and toured with Riverdance!

Riverdance was my first ever job, at 15! It was crazy because I knew nothing about the world and what is was to be autonomous and independent. It was quite an emotional time, too, but that was the reason I’m here today. Without a doubt, if I hadn’t have done that, I wouldn’t have been a performer.

Have you ever had an on-stage wardrobe malfunction?

Oh, there’s always pants splitting. I’ve got thick Irish dancing legs and my pants are always too tight around my legs and butt. I’ve busted pants live on stage, but it’s usually fine because nothing’s hanging out!

Why?

Doing shows I wear two pairs of underpants because there’s nothing worse than watching a show and seeing the outline of someone’s junk! Not just the helmet, the whole thing! [Laughs]. I also have a dance support which lifts and smooths. All bases covered!

Ha! You’re so straight! On that note, at the beach, boardies or budgies?

Boardies! I wouldn’t be seen walking around in speedos. I don’t have a chiselled physique and I think there’s a level a confidence you need to have for that. I’ll stick to shorts.

And when it comes to underwear, briefs, boxers or free balling?

Long-leg boxer briefs are happening for me. Because of my Irish dancing legs I can get chaffed quite quickly and they also keep everything securely in place.

Who has been a great inspiration to you?

My mother. She taught me my work ethic, and what it takes to excel and be great at something.

What quote do you live by?

I saw an interview where Stephen Colbert asked Keanu Reeves what he thinks happens when we die. Keanu said, “I know that the people who love us will miss us.” That hit home. I thought, “Well, who loves me and why?” Over the last six months I’ve wondered what it is that I really care about and, in refining that down, it’s my family. Outside all the performance stuff, what I care about the most is my family.

It sounds like your quote is, “There’s no place like home,” which is very Judy Garland.

And that would make me a friend of Judy’s! [Laughs] Someone once told me I’m one step away from being that! Apparently, because I performed in Michael Feinstein’s 2019 tour, and he’s best friends with Liza, it gives me two degrees of separation from Judy. I’ll happily take that!

You’ve got the shimmering silver fox hair happening. Do you have any grooming or fashion tips?

At 38 my hair is more salt than pepper! I cut it myself now, which I learnt to do during covid. I bought a set of clippers and watched some YouTube tutorials, which I recommend. And go slow because you can always take more off later. You’ll save yourself hundreds of dollars. One of my favourite days of the week is when I “barber up”.

I performed in Michael Feinstein’s tour, he’s best friends with Liza, and that gives me two degrees of separation from Judy.