Adelaide guitarist Orianthi back home for January 4 gig at The Gov and to catch up with family
Usually she’s shredding stages across the world, but a Christmas at home with her extended Greek family is a rare treat for Adelaide’s internationally-renowned guitar queen.
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Christmas at home with her extended Greek family is a rare treat for Adelaide guitar queen Orianthi.
The Los Angeles-based musician is back in SA for the first time in five years, enjoying a short festive break with loved ones ahead of a gig at The Gov on January 4.
“It’s always so hectic, I’m usually flying around doing corporate shows, private gigs, making records... it’s been wild,” she said.
“I haven’t had a break in ages. I’m so stoked to finally be coming back to Australia. It’s going to be really cool.”
She’s shared the stage with music legends such as Michael Jackson, Santana, and Alice Cooper, but Orianthi says she’s most looking forward to sharing the kitchen with her family. Among those include her grandma, and mother, Sue Panagaris.
“I can’t wait to see YiaYia (grandma) and give her a big hug. My mum and my dad too,” she said.
“I’m going to cook a lot (at home) because I’m half Greek. We’re just going to be with each other and spend time together – it’s the simple stuff.
“We’ll also probably go down to the beach because I love Glenelg, and I’ll grab a Cibo coffee, which is my favourite.”
The things which most people take for granted have become difficult due to her gruelling schedule.
Just prior to Christmas, Orianthi, 39, entertained a huge crowd at a Las Vegas Raiders NFL match and in October, she performed on the catwalk alongside Kate Moss at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show in Brooklyn, New York. That’s in-between working on two albums, including a new solo record, and countless other shows.
“I don’t really sleep much but honestly, things are going better than they have in a very long time,” she said.
“I never stop working, I love what I do. It’s just about attention to detail and being across everything. It’s exhausting but it’s rewarding when things work out, that’s for sure.”
Last month, Orianthi released a new single, Some Kind of Feeling, which she describes as a “soulful, pop rock” track about meeting that special someone.
“We’ve all experienced that in our lives and I wanted to put that out there instead of another heartbreak song,” she said.
“I don’t want people to think I’m some kind of depressive, bluesy person because I’m not. I’m out here living my life and I’m having a great life working my butt off.”
Currently single, Orianthi said she “can’t remember” who inspired the song.
“I wrote it about 4 or 5 years ago... I’m not sure who it was about. They probably broke my heart so I don’t know,” she said.
Orianthi famously dated Bon Jovi rocker Richie Sambora for four years after meeting through Cooper in 2014. They split in 2018, but rekindled their romance in 2020 before going their separate ways again.
“I’ve been through a few relationships out here but the thing is you’ve got to find happiness within yourself and being alone and right now I’m having a good time,” she said.
“I’m just about to turn 40 and at this point in my life... I know what I want and what I don’t want and I think that’s the most important thing.
“The bottom line is that truthfully, I don’t have the time and I’m so married to my work, I’m such a work-a-holic.”
Tickets: thegov.com.au
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Originally published as Adelaide guitarist Orianthi back home for January 4 gig at The Gov and to catch up with family
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