By Gabriella Payne
An exciting new show filled with rock’n’roll is coming to the stage at Warragul’s West Gippsland Arts’ Centre this month, as a team of talented artists celebrates the life and legend of singer songwriter, Warren Zevon in ‘Zevon – Accidentally like a Martyr’.
For one night only, on Sunday 25 April, Warragulites will have the chance to immerse themselves in the thrilling tale of Warren Zevon’s life, and experience some of his musical genius in this gripping performance.
Starring seasoned performer Henry Wagons as Zevon himself, this Australian production is sure to wow audiences with the mix of storytelling and hit music on display, with all songs performed live on stage by the cast of five.
Henry Wagons, an artist in his own right who has performed at places like Blues Fest and SXSW to name a few, said that he was “thrilled” to be performing in this show and paying homage to Zevon, “a true mastermind of song”.
“Zevon, cheekily and charmingly, spins a lyric and winds a melody like no other,” Mr Wagons said.
“Even now, when I’m deep inside his catalogue, my jaw still drops at least once in every song at a random pearl of wisdom. We truly have one hell of a set list to share.”
Perhaps most famously known for tracks like ‘Werewolves of London’, Zevon had an epic yet turbulent life, writing music whilst battling alcohol and drug addictions – which may have contributed to him becoming more of a “cult figure” than a major star.
Musical director, Lachlan Bryan hopes to honour Zevon’s musical genius in this show, focusing on the songs whilst acknowledging the life of an incredible man.
“Zevon’s songs are dark, funny and brilliant all at once,” Mr Bryan said.
“It’s been a great pleasure to immerse myself in them, and I can’t wait to bring them to life again with this killer band of fine musicians and people.”
Mr Wagons said that he thought he had “dived deeper” than he ever thought he could with this character, and said that Zevon truly was one of those rare songwriters “that can make you laugh and cry within a verse” – an under appreciated icon.
It’ll be Mr Wagons first time performing in Warragul, and he said he was excited at the prospect.
“I’m going to leave nothing behind, I’ve heard it’s a beautiful new centre too,” he said.
Mr Wagons said he was “excited” to be bringing this show to both Melbourne and Adelaide after the debut in Warragul, and encouraged everyone to come down and enjoy the lyrical genius that is Warren Zevon.
“We’ll be dotting around the 70s and the 90s, so it’s a real time travel exercise with Warren Zevon’s songwriting as the backbone throughout,” he said.
“If you have any interest in powerful songwriting, you need to see this show and this catalogue of music.”
If you’d like to see this one off show, tickets are available at www.theprestigepresents.com.au/zevon or for more information visit www.zevonaccidentallylikeamartyr.com
