From Riverdancing in Ireland to crooning down under, Bobby Fox now calls Australia home. His latest gig pays tribute to those Fab Four, The Beatles.
You’re currently performing in Come Together: The Music of the Beatles Orchestrated. How do you prepare for this?
I basically 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!
Of course you must love The Beatles?
I really got into the Beatles around sixteen, 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 Sixties.
You perform with Rick Price, Dave Wilkins, and Steve Kilbey of The Church, but what songs do you get to sing?
I 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 from the cherries and the flour in the cake!
Irish-born Bobby Fox has launched a successful career in Australia
You got your break in Australia playing the original Frankie Valli in Jersey Boys. What was that experience like?
That was the big one, which launched me as a singer and leading performer. It was amazing, and something like being the guy shot out of the 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 cultivating and talent-refining. I still do the singing techniques and pre-show warm up exercises today.
“He said, “I’m gay and I’ve just come out to my parents”. I was like “Dude! That’s awesome!”
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 fifteen! 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 why I’m here today. Without a doubt, if I hadn’t have done that, I wouldn’t have been a performer.
So if you’re in a dance club, do you automatically hit the floor or do you need a select song?
If I’m in the mood, feeling good and looking fresh, I’ll one hundred per cent get up and dance. There’s no real song, but I do love disco. I love the Bee Gees and Rick James, with songs like Super Freak, and also You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real) by Sylvester!
Bobby Fox has also played Frankie Valli in Jersey Boys
Who’s your music diva?
I think Robyn is unreal. Her Dancing On My Own really gets me going and I really like Adele. But I’m a big fan of Chaka Khan. I Feel For You!
Have you spent much time in gay clubs?
Oh man! Fuck, 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 first moved to Melbourne I was part of the commercial dance scene, and I was a backup 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 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 chiseled physique, but back then I was at my leanest. We’d be topless and accessorise with Speedos or a scarf.
Bobby Fox as Franki Valli
Surely guys would have been coming onto you?
All the time! But word spread pretty quickly that I was straight. I’d get the odd lad who was like “Oh? Not for long!” but everyone was fairly nice about it.
You debut album The Fantastic Mr Fox, has a very cool Sixties sound and Mad Men fashion element to it.
Absolutely and I’m very proud of that album. It’s influenced by Sixties modern jazz, with a pop element. In the Sixties they had three-button suits with the split side vents, loafers, tie bars and all that kind of stuff.
Speaking of Mad Men, you have a bit of a Jon Hamm look about you. Do you ever get mistaken for anyone?
I always get Robbie Williams. Even the other day someone said it, and I was wearing my COVID mask! With only seeing half my face, they said, “You look so much like Robbie Williams”, to which I jauntily replied, “I actually am Robbie Williams!”
“Word spread that I was straight, but I’d get the odd, “Oh? Not for long!”
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 like eighteen, and one time I asked how the girl situation was and he said, “Look I’m gay and I’ve just come out to my parents”. I was like “Dude! That’s awesome! Oh it all makes sense now!” This was before I had any sense of gaydar, and my sister in Canada is also gay.
If you were gay, who would be the one?
I’d say Hugh Jackman, because I feel like he’d take care of me. Even afterwards, I feel like I’d be cared for.
Bobby Fox’s CD is titled The Fantastic Mr Fox!
Who has been a great inspiration to you?
I would definitely say my mother. In terms of teaching me what a work ethic is and what it takes to excel and be truly great at something, she gave that to me from day one.
What quote do you live by?
After spending the last six months kind of re-setting myself, I’ve wondered what it is that I really care about, and in refining that down, it’s my family. So outside all of this performance stuff, what I care about the most is my family. I saw an interview where Stephen Colbert asked Keanu Reeves what he thinks happens when we die. He said “Well I know that the people who love us will miss us”. That really hit home to me. I thought “Well who loves me, and why?”
It almost sounds like your quote is ‘there’s no place like home’, which is very Judy Garland.
And that would place me as being a friend of Judy! (Laughs) Someone once told me I’m actually 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!
“I’ve spent so much time in gay clubs! At one point, they were basically all I went to.”
You’ve got the shimmering silver fox hair happening. Do you have any grooming or fashion tips?
At thirty-eight 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’.
Have you ever had an onset 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!
On that note, at the beach are you boardies or budgies?
Boardies! I wouldn’t be seen walking around in Speedos. I don’t have a proper 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, fitted boxers or freeballs?
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. When doing shows I actually where two pairs of underpants, because there’s nothing worse than watching a show and seeing the outline of someone’s junk! And not just the helmet, but the whole thing! (Laughing). I also have a dance support, which lifts and smooths. All bases covered!
For more visit: metropolistouring.com
Follow Bobby on Instagram @thedancingfox and bobbyfox.com
