With more than four decades at the forefront of Australian music, Joe Camilleri continues to lead The Black Sorrows with the same passion, curiosity and creative fire that first ignited the band in 1984. To celebrate this milestone, the legendary songwriter, producer and performer has released The Quintessential Black Sorrows, a double album that captures the heart and soul of a remarkable career and is taking it on the road for a national Best Of tour.
Joe Camilleri spoke with Australian Musician editor Greg Phillips over a zoom call to chat about
the new Black Sorrows compilation.
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Camilleri says the album, more than a simple greatest hits compilation, is a reflection of the band’s DNA. The song selection process was a deeply personal one. “I wanted to put together a collection of songs that liked each other,” he explains. “You can’t please everyone-you just have to please yourself.” The result is a carefully curated set that spans eras, styles and incarnations of The Black Sorrows, highlighting the band’s evolution and the unique “fingerprint of everybody that’s been part of this wonderful band.”
One of the standout moments on the album is Never Let Me Go, a song Camilleri co-wrote with Nick Smith for Vika Bull. He recalls recording her stunning vocal performance and the special energy captured in the studio. “It suited her personality as a young woman,” Joe says. “When she sang it, we knew we had something really special.” He also fondly remembers the contributions of artists like Vanetta Fields and the chromatic harmonica work that gave the track its soulful finish.
Throughout the conversation, Camilleri reflects on the musical freedom that has defined The Black Sorrows’ sound, refusing to adhere to stylistic rules or trends. “No rules,” he says firmly. “Because why bother? You just carry on. You’ve got to be inspired by music. If it gets you to the piano or the guitar, you’ve got a chance.” His creative process remains grounded in curiosity-writing at the piano, exploring new sounds, and letting inspiration strike without constraints.
Camilleri also discussed songs such as The Crack Up and Daughters of Glory, sharing behind-the-scenes memories of their creation and recording, including the late-night sessions, inventive arrangements, and the camaraderie of long-time collaborators like Nick Smith and Peter Luscombe. “Songs just work when they work,” he says. “Then all the little condiments and barnacles start forming around it.”
Despite his long career and the many accolades, multi-platinum sales, ARIA recognition, and Hall of Fame honours, Camilleri shows no signs of slowing down. With 16 new songs already written and another Bakelite Radio album on the horizon, he’s as creatively driven as ever. “I love my life. I love doing this,” he reflects. “Hopefully I’ll keep making better songs.”
As The Quintessential Black Sorrows tour continues across the country, fans can expect a vibrant journey through a catalogue that helped define Australian roots music, performed with the same energy and authenticity that has made Joe Camilleri and The Black Sorrows a national treasure.
The band is currently on an extensive nation-wide tour with more shows to be announced. Dates are as follows:
8th November – Townsville Civic Theatre, Townsville QLD
9th November – Airlie Beach Festival of Music, Airlie Beach QLD
14th November – Civic Centre, Cowra NSW
15th November – Playhouse Theatre, Canberra ACT
16th November – Enmore Theatre, Sydney NSW
21st November – The Wedge, Sale VIC
22nd November – Melbourne Recital Centre, Melbourne VIC
23rd November – The Playhouse GAC, Geelong VIC
28th November – Manning Theatre, Taree NSW
29th November – Sunset Sounds, Toronto NSW
5th December – The J, Noosa QLD
6th December – Twin Towns Showroom, Tweed Heads NSW
7th December – Tivoli Theatre, Brisbane QLD
16th January – The Longyard Hotel, Tamworth NSW
6th February – Karralyka Centre, Ringwood East VIC
7th February – Copacc, Colac VIC
13th February – Margaret River Heart, Margaret River WA
14th February Astor Theatre, Perth WA
15th February Her Majesty’s Theatre, Adelaide SA
For ticket details please visit: www.theblacksorrows.com.au
THE QUINTESSENTIAL BLACK SORROWS ALBUM AVAILABLE HERE