Wendy Stapleton
‘Rockett Porch Thoughts’
I first met Wendy in 2009 on the Northcote Town Hall dance floor during the CH31 TV night of nights – The Antenna Awards. Wendy and I tore up the dance floor and I eventually wore her down, convincing her to feature in a zany column as the new love interest of the Docklands roving costumed character Kevin Water Rat.
Wendy was at the Antenna Awards that night as the host of the popular music program Wrokdown, currently televised on CH 31. Wendy’s ‘laid-back’ approach is part of the show’s appeal and long running success by interviewing many of her friends who drop in for a chat; being some of Australia’s music legends from the 60s and 70s including the likes of Keith Potger, Bob Starkie, Brian Cadd, Ronnie Charles, Jim Keays, Judith Durum, Debra Byrne, Russell Morris and the late and her dear friend Darryl Cotton.
In 2012, Wendy is as busy as ever with regular performances around Melbourne. Wendy’s online presence is continually growing with close to 2,500 Facebook friends and her management has even posted a coffee invitation with Wendy on the internet. I took up the invitation following her performance in her trio band with her husband Paul Norton and Michael Cristiano; where they perform every second Sunday afternoon at the Emerald Hotel on Clarendon Street in South Melbourne.
Laid back and feeling quite relaxed with Wendy, I took the opportunity to ask some questions that I hope have never been asked of her before for this Porch Thought chat over coffee.
What is one question that journalists typically ask you during an interview that you hope I don’t ask today?
“Are you still singing anywhere Wendy?” I know you won’t ask that question Mark because you know where I sing.
I have always enjoyed your sense of humour and down-to-earth personality that your fans around the world have come to admire and respect as a star of the stage, screen and TV. Are you always this laid back?
Not always. It takes a while and if I’m backed into a corner I fire up. Sometimes I can’t believe what I’ve done and spend the next few days mortified at my behaviour. It’s the Irish/Catholic thing. It’s probably not a good time to mention the Irish/Catholic thing!
Many have described watching you perform at the Emerald being comparable to having one of Australia's musical greats performing in their lounge room. As a performer, why do enjoy performing at venues such as the Emerald?
Well exactly for that reason. The people are wonderful and warm and you really do feel as though you are in someone’s lounge. Hardimans Hotel in Kensington has the same feel. We have been playing there for over 12 years.
What was your favourite song that you performed this afternoon why?
The three of us take it in turns performing songs and we all back each other. I sing a lot of Dusty Springfield songs. Dusty is my favourite blonde. We do some originals and choose eclectic covers too.
Sonny and Cher performed together as did Bert and Pattie Newton, what’s it like for performing with your husband on a regular basis?
That’s a funny comparison! Sonny and Cher I understand, but Bert and Pattie? Actually I know Bert and Pattie and they’re an absolutely fantastic couple. I think it’s best if you forget you’re married; maybe we’re not even married. See I forget already. Actually we are celebrating our 25th anniversary on the 30th of this month. I’m telling you this because I’ll show Paul this interview and he might actually remember our anniversary.
If you and Paul have creative ‘disputes’, how are they usually resolved?
Over a really big glass of red wine.
One the topic of Paul, he had the greatest hair in the late 80s arguably the best in the Mushroom stable. Can you remember what went through your mind when you first ran your fingers through it?
I thought, wow this guy’s hair feels just like mine; (think tortured). I think we’re meant to be together.
Looking at some of the comments on your Facebook page, how do you feel reading comments such as, ‘Hey Darlin, I'm gonna dance with my 12 YO daughter to this tonight! Love it,’ - referring to your 80s song - Your Place Or Mine?
I say get a date your own age. Don’t traumatise your kid!
As the host of Wrokdown, you re-tell the history of the Australian music industry told by our singers, songwriters, musicians and industry movers and shakers. Who was one memorable interview?
I always find something different interviewing people as opposed to reading about them. People you imagined are very serious turn out to be very funny or vice versa. No one is ever boring. I really enjoyed interviewing Judith Durham as there is so much more to her life than people ever knew about.
If the interview was turned on during the show, what would you say your career highlight would be?
Everything. Wendy and The Rocketts, theatre (particularly The Dusty Springfield Story) and some TV shows such as Neighbours and Blue Heelers. I’ve been an incredibly lucky girl. My career has varied and I’m still hanging around. I think diversifying is important. I am also a freelance interviewer for The National Film and Sound Archives and I love that.
What advice can you offer anyone wanting to enter the showbiz industry?
Take every bit of advice you’re given then work it out yourself. At the end of the day you have to be comfortable with yourself. Some people are good at business and others are not. Some people can be tough and others are weak. If you can’t do what’s required then hire someone to do it for you. Oh, if only I took my own advice!
What was going through your mind moments before you took to the stage to celebrate the life of your mate Darryl Cotton at his tribute concert in September?
Darryl’s sudden passing really hit me hard and I still can’t believe it. Just before I went on stage I was thinking, ‘where the *&%$ is Marty Monster?’ He couldn’t see the band wasn’t ready behind him; he introduced me and walked off stage. I couldn’t go on because I would have been standing there with nothing to do.
Sorry Wendy, I just have to ask, apart from the Emerald Hotel, are you still singing anywhere else? (Refer to question one).
We have regular gigs are at Hardimans Hotel Kensington, The Ivy Lounge Olinda, Coast Blairgowrie, Springvale RSL and Maroondah Sports Club. I’m also performing Girls Girls Girls with Debra Byrne and Nikki Nichols. I perform with Ash and Brian Robinson and Peter Valentine. Occasionally I work with Wilbur Wilde.
What is your Porch Thought For The Day?
“Enjoy it while you can!”