I spent some time during 2011 in Florida. The conference was called Momentum and the effects those weeks are wide spread. Seeing the passion of artists up close that you only ever hear coming from your radio speakers was truly inspiring.

As I walked into the foyer of Disney’s Yacht Club I saw the distinctive trademark panda Eyes of Peter Furler. The one time lead singer of the Newsboys is now forging an impressive solo career. Having been a fan of his in my teens, interviewed him on numerous occasions, and spent some time with him over the years, my natural instinct was to just walk up and give him a massive bear hug.

Never underestimate the bond that meeting a friend in another country brings. It was great to have two Aussies in a different part of the world, having both come from the same home town. We sat on the lounge in the foyer and I asked if I could do a radio interview. It was just the most casual, laid back chat I’d ever done. We both seem to forget the microphone was on, and just shared life stories.

It was a real buzz to hear about how Pete’s solo career was going. How he was being embraced as a solo artist and how long it took him to get back on the road. The passion never died in Pete, not for a second, and even though his Newsboys days were over, his love for his former band members and fans is still so strong.

As we chatted we managed to attract quite a crowd of onlookers, all mesmerised that Peter Furler was just sitting in a foyer, being so candid and natural. I threw in a few questions that may have turned heads with our American crowd. As a former TV newsreader I started swapping make up tips with him, having wore my fair share of the stuff in my time, I gave him a wink and we back and forthed about mascara and eye liner for blokes.

He got the gag and we tried to put on a show for the Yanks. They were in stitches.

I wrapped up our chat with an old Sunshine Coast local reference, asking him how long its been since he’d been to the Loo with A View, an old hangout where the surfing is pretty good. He laughed and said not as much as he’d like. It was great to see he still has a soft spot for his home town.

Furler is one of the good guys, a true Rock Star that gives back and understands his role in the up bringing of those who listen.

Check out his solo stuff and never forget, anyone can play a great rock song, but it’s the Eyeliner that makes you a true rock star.

About Liam Renton

Liam is the host of Australia’s Hot 25 Countdown which can be heard on ultra106five, 5-7pm on Saturdays and Sundays. He has been talking on the radio around Australia for the past 15 years. He’s the father of two little girls, husband to Amy, and loves music.