Tex Perkins says touring with The Beasts (formerly the Beasts of Bourbon) is a different proposition in 2019 compared to decades ago, when the band's hard-living ways preceded them.
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"There's far less heroin, amphetamines and all that stuff," the lead singer said with a laugh.
"Our ritual is based around tequila these days; tequila is a showbiz alcohol. It picks you up, wakes you up, and gets you into that 'ta-da' kind of mood.
"So we still enjoy yourselves, but I think there's less damage these days. There's less ferocity in our frivolity."
The Australian rock legends returned this year with their first album in 12 years, Still Here, following the death of members Spencer P Jones and Brian Hooper.
Perkins and cohorts Kim Salmon, Tony Pola, Boris Sujdovic and Charlie Owen resolved to continue carrying the torch of the Beasts of Bourbon.
They gathered all remaining members past and present to record a set of jams and covers that became Still Here.
It couldn't be under the Beasts of Bourbon banner though, with Jones only making it on to one track before his death.
So with respect to their fallen comrades, a new but familiar entity, The Beasts, rose from the ashes.
"We've had different line-ups over the years, but it was always me and Spencer," Perkins, 54, said.
"Now he's gone... This grouping is of the Beasts of Bourbon, it comes from the Beasts of Bourbon, but I think it's important to make a distinction.
"We've been always called 'The Beasts' anyway. And the less bourbon, our livers will thank us for."
Thirty six years after forming, does Perkins have a proudest achievement from his time fronting The Beasts/Beasts of Bourbon?
"Just being still here, being still alive... I've always had my eye on the long game," he laughed.
"I'm still happy to be participating, and I feel very fortunate to have lived the life, and be still living the life that I've lived."
Aside from his various musical endeavours, Perkins said his extensive career had taken some curious detours.
"It's amazing the career tentacles I've had, starting as a singer in a rock band," he said.
This has included voiceover work for cartoons, documentaries and advertisements.
"At some point, somebody thought, 'what about that Tex Perkins bloke? He's got a voice. He can sing, (so) he can probably talk'.
"People just assume that I have a wonderful speaking voice, and I think you can attest to that, can't you?" he chuckled.
"It's a lot of fun though."
-The Beasts will perform on Saturday, December 7 at Wollongong Uni, with special guest Adalita.
Tickets from Moshtix.