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Interview with
CUSTARD’s
Dave McCormack:
Laid-back, low-key
& still loving it

(25th May 2025)

Interview by Dave Bruce

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Watch and listen to the whole interview below

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Dave McCormack, CUSTARD / Photo – @CDRimagery

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“Don’t sweat it. Be in the moment. If you love playing music, that’s the best thing in the world.”

That’s the final piece of advice Dave McCormack gives before heading off to another interview. And honestly, it sums up the whole chat. Humble, hilarious and as down-to-earth as ever, McCormack reflects on Custard’s journey, the ageing rock life, and why one decent guitar is enough.

We spoke last October, and we’re back at it again — this time with massage chairs, tacos, and some existential wisdom thrown in for good measure.

From Brisbane Basements to BEER & BBQ FESTS

Custard began their quirky, indie-pop adventure around 1990. “Let’s call it 1990, a nice round number,” McCormack says. “We had various drummers and then landed on the lineup that’s still playing now in the mid-90s.”

That decade saw Custard releasing four or five albums, signing with RooArt (later absorbed by BMG), and doing the classic album-tour-press loop that defined the pre-digital era. They were part of a golden age of Aussie alternative rock – high energy, high output, and high on their own zany vibe.

By 2000, it all hit pause. “We broke up. I don’t think I even spoke to many of the band members for the better part of a decade,” McCormack admits.

But in 2009, the band reunited for a one-off show. By 2015, they were back in the studio, and they’ve continued releasing new albums every couple of years. Their latest, Suburban Curtains (2023), is still riding high and full of that classic Custard charm.

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Custard

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THE TWO LIVES OF CUSTARD

Split into two clear halves — the 90s and now — Custard’s evolution is more about attitude than sound.

“I don’t think we’ve progressed at all,” McCormack laughs. “We’re still doing the same stuff we did 35 years ago. Same pedals, same tuner. Maybe the guitars are better now because they’ve aged!”

From clown suits and high-energy antics to a more subdued but still cheeky approach, Custard have aged like fine wine. “It’s low-key zany now. We’re all in our mid-fifties, so the vibe’s a little slower.”

BACK ON THE ROAD (BUT NOT TOO MUCH)

The band’s current live schedule is simple: one show — the Adelaide Beer & BBQ Festival.

“Unless something else cool comes up, that’s it for this year,” McCormack says. “We’re playing Friday night with Wolfmother and Rocket Science. I mean, that’s a killer lineup.”

Despite the minimal touring, the fire is still there. “Last tour, we played Ulladulla — only a couple hundred people, but it gave me the biggest thrill. Just turning up and people still want to see you. That’s enough.”

ON LIFE, MUSIC & THE PERKS OF AGEING

Getting older hasn’t dulled McCormack’s passion, but it’s definitely made him more selective. “In your 20s, you’re trying to please everyone. In your 50s, you just say no to bullshit. If the gig feels good, we’ll do it.”

He also takes a more relaxed approach to gear. “I’ve got this nice Telecaster now and I’ve realised — that’s all I really need. When I was younger, I thought every guitar or pedal was going to change my life.”

And as for new music? “We’re not working on anything right now. But I’m always writing. If the moment’s right, we’ll do another album. It’s about enjoying it.”

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Custard

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THE ESSENTIAL DAVE MCCORMACK

We closed out the chat with a lightning round of Dave’s favourites:
Album: Revolver – The Beatles
Artist: The Beatles
Movie: No Country for Old Men
Place to Visit: Gold Coast
Venue to Play: Princess Theatre, Brisbane
Food: Tacos
Drink: Beer
Person in History: Walt Disney (maybe…)
Tattoo: A tribute to his late dog, The Chief

SO WHAT’S NEXT?

“Maybe a tour in the Maldives,” Dave jokes. “White sand, guitars, a few beers – that’d be nice.”

Until then, Custard are still here, still weird, still wonderful. Catch them if they play near you – it may be a while, or it may be tomorrow. That’s just how it is.

One thing’s for sure — McCormack and the boys aren’t done yet.

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Don’t miss Custard at the Adelaide Beer & BBQ Festival – Friday night with Wolfmother, Rocket Science, and more.

Check out their latest album Suburban Curtains – available now on all platforms.

For more interviews, reviews, and Aussie music updates, head to www.amnplify.com.au.

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Follow CUSTARD
Website – Facebook – Instagram – YouTube

Follow BEER & BBQ FESTIVAL
Website – Instagram – Facebook

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Watch and listen to the whole interview below

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Press Release 15th March 2025 (below) HERE

“CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF BEERS”

ADELAIDE BEER & BBQ FESTIVAL
is throwing a huge 10th birthday party
this June, headlined by
TIM FINN, WOLFMOTHER & THE CHATS.

Adelaide Beer & BBQ Festival,
the biggest of its kind in the country and
SA’s #1 Major Music Festival,
is calling all punters to raise a glass
and ensure the beers keep flowing.

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AMNPLIFY – DB