What are the ingredients for a great live performance – as a performer or an audience member?

The ingredients are similar for both. It starts with engagement. Both parties must be in it to win it. That’s what makes a concert great. You have to have talent and passion on stage, but without the band and the audience being present in body, mind and spirit, it doesn’t reach that magical legendary space.

How do you balance music with other obligations – partner, children, job?

No children. My wife, Breezy, is in my band, and music is my job. I’ve been a professional musician since I was 13 with the exception of two years when I lost the normal use of my hands. It hasn’t always paid all the bills but I am very blessed that it does now. I don’t take it lightly or for granted.

Can you describe a perfect Saturday?

Fishing in the early part of the day and playing music at night.

What do you do to relax?

Fish, play guitar, hike in the wilderness, and lay in a hammock with Breezy.

What’s your idea of happiness?

To continue to grow as a musician, to be able to travel around the world bringing that music to people, and to have some time at home with Breezy as well.

What life lesson would you pass on?

Take the leap of faith. Worse thing you can do is fail.

Which living person do you most admire, and why?

The poet Robert Bly. He is an artist, a wild man, and he has lived a full life on his own terms. He was a giant influence on me as an artist. The greats of country blues influenced my music, but as a musical ‘‘artist’’ I think it was Robert Bly.

What’s your most embarrassing moment that you’re prepared to share?

I once hung my hat on a lamp, and it caught on fire and it burned a hole in it. I didn’t notice it and they came to the hotel looking for a fire.

❚ The Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band play the Tuning Fork, Auckland, Friday, February 23 and Splore Festival, Tapapakanga Park, February 24 and 25.