Your Cart is Empty
The Zep Boys have been performing the music of Led Zeppelin since 1986 entertaining live audiences at intimate pubs and clubs, as well as outdoor concerts with over 50,000 screaming fans. Lead singer, Vince Contarino has a voice to rival some of the biggest music legends on the Australian music scene. Having overcome some huge personal hurdles, Vince prefers not to dwell too much on the past and is concentrating on his future! We were thrilled when he agreed to spend some time with us. We found out some very interesting facts, including that he’s a massive Gen-Tec Nutrition fan!
After 40 years as a professional entertainer, what have been some of the standout moments?
I have had numerous highlights after 40 years as a professional entertainer but there are a few that stand out.
New Year’s Day in Adelaide 1981, I performed at an outdoor concert in Elder Park on the banks of the Torrens River that runs through the heart of Adelaide. That day an estimated 50,000 people were in attendance. My band ‘The Dukes’ performed a set of original songs to a sea of people. Unforgettable.
I sang for The Party Boys with Joe Walsh playing guitar which was surreal.
The first time I worked with the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra in 2005 playing Led Zeppelin with a 75-piece Orchestra was amazing!!
Then in 2008, I had the honour to work with Jon Lord (Deep Purple founding member and composer). To sing for him and get to know him was a dream come true. Once again that was with the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra.
The first gig at the Sydney Opera house( with Nick and Angela Jones there as my guests) was very special too.
Of course, the United Kingdom and gigs in Europe with the Zep Boys and Orchestra are a dream come true. Playing the legendary London Palladium and the Hammersmith Odeon (both world-famous venues) was very special indeed.
I have always known I wanted to be a performer/entertainer from as far back as I can remember.
That’s quite a list! Is there anything you haven’t achieved that’s on your bucket list?
I want to perform a concert in Italy. I just want to rock out and speak Italian in-between songs. My Italian isn’t the best, but I think the crowd would get a laugh!
What's a day in the life of Vince look like?
When I can establish a routine, it’s usually this order: 3 to 4 hours of playing guitar, singing, and songwriting. One hour of exercise. I do cardio and weight resistant work at least 4 times a week. Follow up on work-related matters. Tend to my garden which is a substantial veggie patch and spend as much quality time with my partner as possible.
How long have you been taking Gen-Tec Supplements? What's your favourite product?
I’ve known Nick Jones since he was working at Musashi, so I’ve been taking Gen-Tec Supplements from the first day Gen-Tec started. My favourite product is the ACLA Fuel and the new formula is not only incredibly efficient it tastes magnificent!
Is there anything you'd do differently if you could go back and do it all again?
I have learned to be assertive and to stand my ground so as not to be exploited by this cut-throat industry that is full of ruthless and ambitious individuals and organisations that serve their own agendas to the detriment of the artists. I sometimes wish I had been more assertive in my younger years when I was in my late teens and early twenties.
What gets you out of bed in the morning?
The knowledge that I have the best coffee in Australia sitting in my home to be consumed!
How are you spending the holidays?
I spend Christmas with family and New Year’s Eve with close friends. I don’t work New Year’s Eve.
What's the best present you've ever been given?
My Mother and Father gave me my first guitar when I was 12 years old. Hands down the best present ever!
What's the one thing you can't leave home without?
I grew up in the music industry. There have been times when I was malnourished, sick, broke and in places, I could not get away from because circumstance dictated events. To this day I cannot leave home without a credit card because it gives me the means to do whatever I need to. I even do it when I get in my car and go somewhere locally. It is something I will do for the rest of my life.
If you could give your 10-year-old self some advice what would it be?
Do not be afraid to say no!
What's the best piece of advice anyone's given you?
Accept negative energy because it is still energy that can be converted to positive energy that will assist, not destroy you. Just learn how to convert it! Find a way!
Comments will be approved before showing up.
