Scottish songwriter Justin Currie joins Paul Cashmere for an in-depth conversation ahead of Del Amitri’s long-awaited Australian tour, reflecting on more than three decades of music, the band’s unexpected success, and why the group returned to recording after almost 20 years without a new studio album.
Justin Currie looks back at Del Amitri’s early breakthrough in Australia, where “Kiss This Thing Goodbye” became one of the band’s first international hits before the UK had fully embraced them. He discusses how songs like “Nothing Ever Happens”, “Always The Last To Know”, “Be My Downfall” and “Stone Cold Sober” became enduring favourites while the band quietly built a worldwide audience.
The interview explores the making of Fatal Mistakes, Del Amitri’s acclaimed comeback album, and why reuniting for live shows in 2014 rekindled the band’s creative spark. Currie explains how initially accepting a reunion simply because “the money was good” quickly turned into rediscovering how much the band enjoyed playing together and ultimately inspired new music.
Paul and Justin also discuss Del Amitri’s place in music history, surviving the changing musical landscape from indie rock through grunge, performing at Woodstock ’94, the realities of fame, and why the band managed to avoid many of the pitfalls experienced by their contemporaries.
Justin Currie shares his thoughts on the documentary You Can’t Go Back, the philosophy behind songs from Fatal Mistakes, and why he believes “a band and some beer” remain among life’s greatest positive forces.
The conversation finishes with a look at Del Amitri’s Australian setlist, their classic songs, touring plans and what fans can expect when the Scottish favourites finally return to Australian stages.
If you’re a longtime Del Amitri fan or discovering the band for the first time, this is an insightful conversation with one of Britain’s finest songwriters.
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