In one part of Australia, mention Shannon Noll’s name and you’ll get this response

Exclusive: While most of the country knows Shannon Noll from his humble start on Australian Idol, in recent years he’s become more of a viral sensation – even an urban legend in some parts of the country. 

Down in ‘The Shire’ – aka The Sutherland Shire in Sydney’s South – mention his name and this response is almost guaranteed: “I’ve had a beer with Nollsy down the pub, he’s an absolute legend!” 

It’s that exact everyday-man appeal that has seen the singer become a regular fixture at country pubs and RSL clubs across the map in recent years, playing intimate gigs to a fiercely loyal fan base that he genuinely loves. 

“You’re up close and personal with countless people, they’re right there,” he told nine.com.au. 

“That’s where my background is, from years ago. It’s got a lot to do with the sort of people who go to those sorts of venues. It always works out really well, and it’s always lots of fun.” 

Having played everything from local pubs to mammoth arenas, Noll admits that both settings have their own unique charm – and their own drawbacks.

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“I can tour with a full band and then do an acoustic tour much different, it brings so much to it, like just the personability of the acoustic ones,” he said with a grin. 

“I enjoy doing all types; the stadium ones are fun, and you get to see other acts and friends that you don’t see normally because you’re always on the road.

“Pub gigs are much wilder and a lot of fun because people are really ready to have a good time.”

And when it comes to wild, he’s had his fair share of bizarre moments with fans at gigs, admitting that it’s not a surprise when someone tries to jump on stage with him. 

“Obviously, some gigs are different from others, you know, a couple of people jump on, run around, jump off-stage… it’s happened a couple of times,” he laughed. 

“But they just want to be involved and they’re glad to be there. People panic, but that sort of thing happens.” 

And of course, sticking true to the reputation he’s earned over the years, one of the best things about pub gigs is “being able to have a beer with people.” 

“I find I catch up with a lot of people at those shows, who go along to all of them,” he added. 

“It’s great to be able to see those really hardcore fans that’ve supported you and continue to.” 

Gigs have also changed for Noll, with his son Blake now joining him on tour and sharing his talents too. 

“Then I go to bed and he goes out – I’m too old for that shit now!” 

Noll joked that Blake has already “sparked a bit of interest” with the ladies coming to their gigs, to say the least. 

It’s definitely a proud dad moment for him, although he laughed that in a way it’s like he’s passing the torch on. 

“Touring for me has taken on a whole new dynamic in a sense,” he said. 

“I love watching him side of stage during his set, and he gets up and does a couple of songs in my set as well. 

“So it’s just a really different sort of vibe now, which is great.”

When he auditioned for Australian Idol back in 2003, Noll’s primary goal was simply pocketing some extra cash – he never dreamed it would launch a career spanning more than two decades.

“I just went on it to try and get a job out of it somewhere, because we’d lost the farm and we were in a fair bit of trouble,” he explained. 

“So I was either going to the mines, or shearing or something like that … or singing. 

“I’m very lucky to still be here now.” 

When it comes to his success, he still can’t believe how far he’s come. 

“The Australian public are the ones that gave me the opportunity in the first place and they’re the only ones that matter to me.

“They’re the ones who continue to give me this amazing opportunity and I couldn’t thank them more … I never really put a plan on anything.” 

When it comes to performing, Noll recently delighted a flight full of influencers, Shannon Noll lookalikes and holidaymakers on a flight up to Townsville. 

The What About Me singer was joined by his son for the performance, and admitted he wanted him in on the action from the moment it was locked in. 

“I was angling to get him in there the whole time,” he said. “Thankfully we got it done, so it’s good.”

“I had a mate of mine I was texting this morning and he just got off 13-hour shift and was going home, and he said, ‘Are you singing on some plane? ‘[for Jetstar’s birthday] I said ‘Yeah’ and he goes, ‘What a terrible job you’ve got.’

“I’m very, very lucky.”