A former local drummer is returning to his hometown with a brand-new Phil Collins show in September at the Moncrieff Entertainment Centre.
Born in Gayndah and raised in Bundaberg, Bennie Bishop will return to the venue where he played drums in multiple Bundaberg State High musicals and even hosted the Carols by Candlelight during the COVID effected Christmas season on 2020.
“I’m a proud Bundy Boy for sure. It’s amazing how you can be on the other side of the world and see a Bundaberg drink, or a sachet of sugar and get that sense of pride of “that’s my hometown!”
Now based on the Gold Coast, Bennie left Bundaberg at 17 years of age to pursue a music career to play in multiple bands, one of which that had a Tasmanian keyboard player that would become his wife.
“Vanessa and I have been very privileged to live in three states of Australia since we were married, and music has been central to our journey, so to be able to bring our Phil Collins tribute project to Bundaberg is really exciting and a full-circle moment.”
Riding on the momentum of their last show at the legendary Twin Towns Showroom in Tweed Heads, the cleverly titled “Philosophy – The Hits of Phil Collins,” covers 25 songs from the world’s most loved singing drummer, spanning hits like “Easy Lover,” “You Can’t Hurry Love” and the iconic “In the Air Tonight,” while also taking fans on a journey through Phil’s amazing Disney movie soundtracks.
“The show is jam packed with Phil’s hits, plus some Genesis favourites and a few of his favourite covers as well, so it’s truly a multi-generational show, plus of course it wouldn’t be complete without a massive drum duet!”
āMy dad and brothers were in the City of Bundaberg Drum Corps, but I was too young at the time, but I got to play with A2Zed for a while and was very privileged to have some great Bundaberg drummers around me in the 90ās like my own brother Peter, Kenny Hay, Russell Bird, Dennis Mealor, and Pete MacDonald was amazing, and of course, the late Don Morrisson who was a major influence on my career.
Then after Iād left town, Dane Costigan came on the scene and heās a monster, so Iām grateful to have learned so much in that time from great players in the area.ā
Tickets for “Philosophy – The Hits of Phil Collins” are available from artsbundaberg.com.au
Philosophy – The Hits of Phil Collins
When: Saturday 26 September 2026 | 7.30 to 9.30 pm
Where: Moncrieff Entertainment Centre, 177 Bourbong Street, Bundaberg Central
Cost: Adult – $65
Concession (pensioner/senior/student) – $60
Group 10+ – $60
Child under 15 – $40
Child under 4 – free with no seat allocated
Tickets: book here
