Pete Donohue
G'day,
My name's Pete Donohue. I'm a singer/songwriter/guitarist from Ballarat Australia. I'm currently recording my debut solo album, Whiskey & Tears.
Tell me about your history? How did you get where you are now?
Started playing piano at age 4. 6 years
Then played clarinet(3 years), saxiphone (3 years) and violin (not long, it wasn't rock).
Started guitar at 15. First gig at 18 at an RSL club. Started running jam sessions at a local blues club and then playing gigs. Joined Into The Black cica 2000, as with Mad Cow. 2002 Saw The Milkmans Children form and 2003 saw Peaches & Cream. All are still functioning at different levels. Still playing solo gigs when I get the chance, and hoping to do more solo acoustic blues in the near future.
Have you performed live in front of an audience? Any special memories?
I've been playing live solo and in bands for almost 10 years. I play at festivals and in pubs/clubs. I thrive on live performing - it's what gets me high!
Playing with Andy Cowan, Sweet Baby James Meston and playing in front of 5,000 people with 20,000 listening at the Australia day festival was a blast.
Your musical influences
Guitar - Jimi Hendrix, Steve Vai, Joe Satriani, Geoff Achison, Dan Houlihan, Tommy Emmanuel, Carlos Santana, The Allman Brothers, Peter Green, Sam See, Jeff Lang, Jimmy Page, Ben Harper, Dave Gilmour, Frank Zappa, Shannon Bourne
Vocals - Ben Harper, Jeff Buckley, Geoff Achison, Nick Cave, Johnny Cash, Mark Knopfler, Dido, Mia Dyson, Carinda Christie, Sting
Lyrics - Jimi Hendrix, Dan Houlihan, Ben Harper, Dave Gilmour, Jeff Buckley, Geoff Achison, Jac Kreemers, Neil Young, Bob Dylan
And then in no particular order - Collards Greens & Gravy, Chris Wilson, The Souldiggers, RUN DMC, Public Enemy, KC & The Sunshine Band, Miles Davis, John Coltrane, The Funk Brothers, John Bonham, John Butler, Adrian Smith, The Royal Crown Revue, The BandI think this list is only limited by my memory!
What equipment do you use?
I use my trusty Maton guitar. That's about it!
Anything else?
Just like to thank my wife Sarah (fantastic singer / guitarist) and all the cats that I play with. Mum and Dad and my sisters for being way cool. My nephew Ky and niece Chloe for being the next generation of ROCK!!!
