SINGER and actor Rob ‘Millsy’ Mills says he is “coming back home to his rock roots” as he prepares for his upcoming tour celebrating Bon Jovi’s 40-year career.
Since becoming a finalist on Australian Idol in 2003, Mills has had a successful career as a singer, actor, TV host and performer in popular musical productions such as Grease, Hair, Wicked and & Juliet, among many more.
Mr Mills played Shakespeare in the Australian production of & Juliet, which held 405 shows around the country since February.
After finishing touring for & Juliet this month, Mills will be hitting the road again with the production’s live band to perform Bon Jovi songs, celebrating the iconic rock group’s 40th year.
The tour will kick off in Swan Hill on August 17, with five more shows around the country to follow.
Mills said he was a big Bon Jovi fan growing up.
“It was the reason I wanted to do this show,” he said
“I remember my brother bought their album Cross Road, which was a greatest hits album, and I just loved it.
“The band is a hit-making machine, and to still be making albums 40 years later is pretty amazing.
“They have a pretty incredible legacy.”
Mills will be performing the band’s greatest hits, ranging from the highly energetic and upbeat anthems to the power ballads and some deep cuts for hardcore Bon Jovi fans.
“We’re not doing a classic tribute act where we’re all dressing up in the Bon Jovi gear but we’ll definitely be trying to mimic some of the sounds of the guitars and the bass and the keyboards to match the sound of the original, for sure.
“The band I’m touring with for this are some of the best musicians I’ve worked with.
“We’ve had a few really big rehearsals so far.”
With years of experience performing pop songs and musical theatre, Mills will show a different side of himself to audiences in Swan Hill in his upcoming show.
“I really love being part of musicals,” he said.
“I love the storytelling but sometimes it’s just great to just get up on stage and feel the energy back and forth between you and the crowd.”
Before Mills’ career took off, he was singing in a band with friends as they performed in various live-music venues in Melbourne.
“I’ve always had eclectic taste,” Mr Mills said.
“I’ve always liked different styles of music, whether it’s rock, pop or classical, but I grew up listening to bands.
“I was singing at the local footy club and then moved on to pubs and live-music venues across Melbourne when I was older, and that’s how I got confident as a singer.
“To me this show feels like coming back home and going back to my roots singing in a rock band and really rocking out, which you don’t get to do in a musical as much.”
Mills said he hoped everyone could just have a good fun night at his upcoming shows.
“I hope everyone can get arm in arm singing at the top of their lungs, and maybe be able to catch up with their mates and have some good stories to tell at the end of the night,” he said.
“I think that’s what I’m hoping for: just a bit of old-school escapism.
“I know everyone’s doing it tough at the moment with the cost of living so there’s still nothing better than going out and seeing live music and creating memories, which is so much better than watching a show on Netflix.”
Mills said he planned to go back to his usual activities after the tour, auditioning for various projects in TV, film and theatre.
“You never know what’s coming next,” he said.
“It’s just the life of an actor.
“We are professional auditioners.”
