UNLIKE the title of their third studio album, folk-pop faves Boy and Bear have no Limit Of Love or time for their fans, especially those living in regional Australia.
The band, joined by national support act All Our Exes Live In Texas, are about to embark on a regional tour of Australia, stopping off at 3 Oceans Winery in Margaret River along the way.
Drummer and backup vocalist Tim Hart said regional touring was really important to the musicians.
“We have done it since the start of the band and we’ve really enjoyed it, so it just makes sense to us,” he said.
“We just love going to WA, it’s such a beautiful part of the world.
“You think about everywhere from Geraldton to Margaret River, Albany, Esperance and Busselton as well – we really dig it.
“I feel like a lot of east coast fans just miss the west out and it’s a shame because it’s great.”
Hart said last time the band were in the South West, they performed at a pub in Margaret River.
“It was a Friday night so it was a party,” he said.
“This time I’m not sure – I feel like Margaret River is a bit of a party place, so I’m sensing that it’s going to be more of a wild night.”
Fans of the ARIA-award winners will be familiar with the band’s down to earth performances and their choice to not do encores, which Hart said was something they initially did because they just did not have enough songs to perform.
“Afterwards we kind of stuck with it,” he said.
“The thing that we always explain to people is that we play as many songs as any other band will.
“To people who have already made a big commitment to come and watch you play, for you to go off stage and say ‘the only way we’re coming on is if you praise us’… it always felt a bit weird for us.
“Maybe one day we’ll do encores but for the moment that’s kind of why we don’t it.”
True groupies may also remember the band’s initial claim to fame – an acoustic cover of Crowded House’s Fall At Your Feet. They also recently covered Amy Winehouse’s Back to Black for Triple J’s Like a Version.
Talking of covers, the Mail asked Hart if Boy and Bear were working on any others.
“There’s a Tears For Fears song, Everybody Wants to Rule the World, and we’ve been playing around with it a little bit in rehearsals,” Hart said.
“I really want to do that one live, whether or not we will see.”
And now that the band have put their own distinct mark on the music world, it won’t be long before covers will be made of their songs.
Hart’s preference?
“I’d love Sting to do Southern Sun – it would be amazing,” he said.
“He played the AFL Grand Final and he just killed it – he’s like in his late 60s.
“He’s a good lookin’ rooster.”
Tickets for Boy and Bear’s 3 Oceans gig on December 3 can be purchased from Oztix.