Few artists can say their music crosses generations and appeals equally to adults, as to children, but that’s one achievement that sets Peter Combe apart from his contemporaries. Dubbed as the ‘Paul Kelly of children’s songwriters’, Peter Combe rocked into Australian households well before The Wiggles got started… and his songs which were hits with the kids in the 1980s, are now hits with their kids today.

Returning to Brisbane for a special ‘kids’ all-ages concert in Brisbane in May, Peter will be performing all his biggest hits, from Toffee Apple, Spaghetti Bolognaise and Newspaper Mama to Wash Your Face in Orange Juice and Juicy Juicy Green Grass to parents and their little ones. This is a concert with a difference, because it’s not just the kids who will be jumping about to the music!

It’s not unsurprising for parents to pass on their musical influences to their kids, but that’s generally ‘adult’ music – it takes a special brand of performer to captivate kids’ attention and adults’ emotions at the same time. “It reaffirms my belief that writing good children’s songs that will stand the test of time, requires the same attention to detail as writing for adults,” Peter says. “It’s a craft and I go through the same processes as Paul Kelly, Neil Finn or Paul Simon. Good songs, whether they’re for adults or kids, are timeless.”

With this ethos in mind, Peter’s songs are not just simple lyrics and plain instrumentation. Instead, they’re as catchy as the hottest pop songs on radio today. “Good children’s songs are characterised by memorable melodies, well-written lyrics that often have a quirky edge to them, and are what I call ‘trend resistant’,” Peter says. “They’re a bit like a good recipe or a loved folk song that gets passed on to the next generation with a great deal of affection.”

Peter Combe became a beloved name in Australian households with the release of his Toffee Apple album in 1987 –the title track was the first full-length music video to be ever made for kids. It firmly established Peter as the first kids’ ‘popstar’. His music was adult-friendly, and yet attractive to kids, and featured a Monty Python-style humour that had quirk and passion. Peter has won three ARIAs for Best Children’s Album, had seven gold and two platinum CDs and over a million sales – he is an icon of Aussie children’s music. In 2009 he released his most recent CD, Kiddywinks, and continues to perform to sold-out audiences of kids and adults alike around the country. Peter has also recently released his greatest hits Peter Combe - The Complete DVD Collection.

Peter’s forthcoming performance in Brisbane features not only himself and his trusty keyboardist Phil Cunneen but also some special guests. “It’s a more gentle, quieter performance, no band but instead, some talented young dancers from S.H.A.K.E dramatizing and dancing to the songs,” he says. “(It will be) all the hits in the show, plus a few songs from my latest CD, Kiddywinks.” Whether you’re already a fan, being introduced to his music for the first time, or introducing others, there is something in Peter’s highly acclaimed concerts for everyone, of all ages.

Peter Combe performs at The Old Museum, 460 Gregory Terrace Bowen Hills on Saturday 14th May at 11am Tickets:- Presale $16 (+BF) / $18 at the door – tickets through Oztix 1300 762 545 or www.oztix.com.au