He's spent half his life as the energetic frontman of Chocolate Starfish and Adam Thompson is still like a big kid.
In fact, his stage look has evolved through the years from jeans and shirt to the flamboyant outfits that are part of the band's spectacular shows today.
He handles it with several sessions of Bikram yoga each week along with running and meditation.
"It's vital when you're as energetic as we are," Adam said. "I'm still doing all the things I was doing at 30."
Adam will turn 60 just as the band kicks off its 30th anniversary Chocolate Starfish Best of Everything tour from June 21 taking in six states.
The tour will celebrate the very best of everything Chocolate Starfish - the albums, the songs, and the exhilarating performances - with 24 high-energy shows across four months.
"We're doing some big shows in grand venues like the State Theatre in Sydney and will also do some smaller regional shows that will have a more intimate vibe - and include places close to our hearts like my home region of Shepparton," Adam said.
"Thirty years in, we know where our fans are, and the spaces we love to work. We can't wait to hit the road.
"It's a real pinch me moment when we walk out to huge crowds. Thirty years in, you might think crowds would be dwindling, but we're finding quite the opposite. Our fan base is growing - and I think that's because we've evolved and give our fans a very physical, theatrical show."
Chocolate Starfish is Adam (lead vocals), John Nixon (bass), Darren Danielson (drums), Norm Falvo (keyboard) and Zakk Zedras (guitar).
They are one of a small list of Aussie bands formed in the '80s and '90s who are still performing with original band members.
It's billed as the Best of Everything tour and Adam said that's exactly what fans will get.
"A few years ago, we did our Classic Album Series - Bat Out of Hell, INXS Kick and Adam Thompson's Bohemian Rhapsody Concert," he said.
"We're meant to do a 90-minute show but we worked out we couldn't do all the Chocolate Starfish songs and our Classic Album Series in that time so we're going to be the support act as well as the main act.
"The support act is typically on stage for 40 minutes so you get us doing the Classic Album Series for 40 minutes, then all our songs."
The band's albums include their self-titled debut album as well as Box, Spider, Primitive and The Beautiful Addiction.
"So many iconic Aussie bands were formed in the '80s and '90s and were an inspiration to us," Adam said.
"There's not a huge list of them still performing regularly like we are, and with most of their long-term members. We're great mates and all love performing live - anyone who has been to a Starfish show can feel that."
With a dedicated and adoring fan base, Chocolate Starfish are welcoming younger generations to gigs, with high-energy performances cementing a fresh fan base.
"We love that we're winning new fans with every performance and welcome the latecomers - or next-gen - with open arms. Our audience is the centrepiece of the Starfish experience," Adam said.
"We perform with them, not for them. They deserve the 'best of everything' - so that's what we will give them.
"Sometimes it feels like these first 30 years, we've just been warming up. This truly is the best of everything we have to offer. For now."
Tickets and tour dates and venues: www.chocolatestarfish.com.au
Therese Murray
Wordsmith. Senior journalist. Editor. I have a proven track record in helping people and communities solve their problems. My career is all about telling stories.
Wordsmith. Senior journalist. Editor. I have a proven track record in helping people and communities solve their problems. My career is all about telling stories.
