In his conversation with Australian Musician editor Greg Phillips, veteran guitarist PETER NORTHCOTE reflects on a lifetime in music while previewing his upcoming theatre production at the Chatswood Concourse. Titled “Tales From the Velvet Road, A Classic Rock Elegy”, the March 13 show is conceived as both a celebration of classic rock and a personal journey through the sounds that shaped his career. And make sure you watch the interview right until the end at the 30 minute mark, when Peter performs an epic version of Pink Floyd’s ‘Comfortably Numb’ for us!
MORE ABOUT THE INTERVIEW AND SHOW
PETER NORTHCOTE ‘TALES FROM THE VELVET ROAD. A CLASSIC ROCK ELEGY’
Chatswood Concourse Concert Hall, Friday 13th March, 2026. 7:30pm
Northcote describes the concept as a large-scale, narrative-driven concert revisiting the “velvet road” of 1970s and ’80s rock, the era he grew up in and considers a golden period for songwriting and guitar innovation. Drawing inspiration from artists such as Deep Purple, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, Yes, Genesis, Creedence Clearwater Revival and Black Sabbath, the production combines a six-singer lineup, a large band, dancers and video elements to create what he calls “a show, not just a gig.” Medleys dedicated to iconic acts, including Queen, Led Zeppelin and Boz Scaggs aim to capture the spirit and breadth of the era while presenting the music in a theatrical format.
Beyond the music, the performance will weave in stories from Northcote’s own life, from discovering guitar through television to touring with major artists and building a career that has spanned sessions, theatre and arena stages. He speaks candidly about early struggles, leaving home with little more than determination and the mentors who shaped him, particularly Tommy Emmanuel, whose support opened doors to key touring and studio opportunities, including his long stint with Dragon.
Technically, Northcote notes how his approach has evolved alongside the industry. Now fully committed to digital rigs, he embraces the flexibility they offer in recreating the wide palette of tones required for a show covering such diverse material. Still, despite decades of large-scale touring, he emphasises that the greatest satisfaction now comes from performing music he genuinely loves, on his own terms.
Ultimately, Tales From the Velvet Road represents more than nostalgia. For Northcote, it’s the culmination of a career spent absorbing influences, collaborating with great players and refining his craft, a project that lets him celebrate the music that inspired him while sharing the stories behind it. He hints that if the premiere resonates, the production could expand to other theatres, but for now his focus is simply on delivering an immersive experience that honours the era and invites audiences to relive or discover its enduring magic.
Tickets are on sale now: https://www.theconcourse.com.au/event/peter-northcote/
www.youtube.com/peternorthcote