Bernard Fanning, the acclaimed Australian musician, is gearing up to celebrate the 20th anniversary of his debut solo album, Tea & Sympathy, with a national tour across Australia in February and March 2026. In a recent interview, Fanning delved into the creative process behind his hit song “Wish You Well,” revealing it was born out of a particularly challenging morning after a night of excessive drinking.
As Fanning prepared for his UK tour, he found himself in a state of disarray. “I got drunk. I got wasted. I was living by myself for the first time in my life,” he shared. The next morning, while nursing a hangover, he crafted the song in just 15 minutes, drawing on his personal experiences. Lyrics such as “Up so early, feel so bright” contrasted sharply with his reality, while “Freight train rattled through my head” reflected his physical state. The album largely explores the end of a long-term relationship, an experience that resonated deeply with his audience.
Reflecting on his performances of the past two decades, Fanning expressed a sense of detachment from the songs. “Sometimes you’re on stage and you’re like, ‘Did I leave the iron on?’” he remarked, acknowledging that not every show is infused with the same emotional weight it once held. Yet, he finds fulfillment in the connection his music has forged with fans. “I primarily do this from a very selfish perspective: I want to write a song that I like. If others like it, that’s just an unreal bonus,” he stated.
Fanning shared a humorous anecdote regarding the name of his collaboration with Paul Dempsey, which was misinterpreted as a national park. “There’s an actual place in Tassie called National Park,” he explained, laughing at the playful mix-up that left him and Dempsey giggling like schoolchildren.
When discussing iconic music, Fanning named John Lennon’s riff in “Day Tripper” as the greatest of all time. Its melodic and tuneful quality, combined with the production excellence of EMI, left a lasting impression on him. In a lighter moment, he recalled a recent conversation with fellow musician Paul Kelly, who controversially deemed “Imagine” one of the worst songs ever written. Fanning quipped about the potential for a new debate sparked by Kelly’s opinion.
As for his own controversial views, Fanning claims that “First Dates Australia” is a masterpiece, despite its late-night scheduling. He found himself drawn to the show during an extensive tour, citing its entertaining nature after exhausting performances.
When asked about sleep challenges, Fanning admitted he struggles with early awakenings despite falling asleep easily. “I’ve found the best thing is just a lot of exercise,” he noted, acknowledging the difficulties of maintaining vocal health on tour. He often resorts to watching the Premier League or reading to fill the early morning hours.
A defining album in his life is Cold Fact by Rodriguez, which he credits with inspiring his own political commentary through music. Fanning has a personal connection to the album, having inherited it from his older brother. He noted its timeless relevance, saying, “It just goes to show how terrible we are at learning from our mistakes.”
In a light-hearted moment, Fanning described a peculiar item in his fridge—a rice concoction used by his daughter for skincare, humorously comparing it to “regurgitated milk.” He also revealed his affection for an acoustic guitar purchased shortly before the release of Tea & Sympathy, praising its quality and the way guitars improve with age.
Looking back on his career, Fanning recounted a memorable encounter with the Beastie Boys during the Big Day Out tour in 2005. Despite their public persona, he found them to be unfriendly. He recounted a moment of irony when Adam Yauch, known for his Buddhist beliefs, bowed to him after the last show, prompting Fanning to respond with a raised finger. “That’s not cringeworthy, that’s great!” he laughed, acknowledging the amusing contrast.
With the upcoming anniversary tour of Tea & Sympathy, Fanning is set to rekindle memories and connect with fans who have embraced his music over the years. As he prepares to take the stage once more, he reflects on the journey that has shaped both his career and his art, continually finding new meaning in the songs that have defined his life.
