Queen’s birthday honours: can’t fish, can’t play golf, but Brian Cadd AM can still sing up a storm

In a career spanning more than five decades, there’s one addiction that Brian Cadd can’t shake.

Brian Cadd AM: ‘It’s not an ego-based addiction, it’s just a sheer pleasure.’ Picture: Britta Campion

In a career spanning more than five decades, there’s one addiction that Brian Cadd can’t shake, and that’s the electric thrill that courses through his body when he steps on stage.

Today, Cadd becomes a member of the Order of Australia in recognition of his significant service to the music industry as a singer, songwriter, performer, mentor and producer.

The accolade comes while Cadd, 71, is on yet another national tour that will take him to Launceston and Hobart this week.

“That’s a real addiction,” he said. “It’s not an ego-based addiction, it’s just a sheer pleasure. I never get sick of it. I don’t know what I’d do if I couldn’t do it — I can’t play golf and I can’t fish.”

Born in Perth and discovered on a television talent quest, Cadd began his musical career at the age of 12. In the mid-1960s, he joined The Groop, a pop band that burned brightly for several years with Cadd on keyboards and vocals. He then formed a rock group, Axiom, and struck out as a solo performer.

Cadd’s 1972 self-titled album contained the single Ginger Man, which became one of his signature songs, alongside Let Go and Your Mama Don’t Dance.

His career stretched from songwriting and performance to the pointier end of the business, including long stints in the US and Europe while working in music publishing and production.

He returned to Australia in 1997 and now spends most of his time — when he’s not touring — in Byron Bay.

“I think it’s one of the keys to longevity, if you are able to do more than one thing,” said Cadd.

“If you have several strings on your bow, you have a chance to jump from one string to another, metaphorically speaking.”

In 2007, Cadd was inducted into the halls of fame of both the Australian Recording Industry Association and the Australian Songwriters Association, and he has served on the boards of various bodies such as Support Act, the charity for musicians in need.