On the Couch with Gavin Ross

Gavin Ross Arts Review On the CouchWho is Gavin Ross?
I’m just a punk kid from Edinburgh really. I come from a single parent, working class home, which is fairly average and normal for most people my age in my area. Love my family, my friends and a good party. Don’t have many vices, but my main addiction is performing. Not a bad vice to have.

What would you do differently to what you do now?
Applied myself more at school maybe, I wasn’t a dumb kid, I just hated school. I loved to learn and still do, I just didn’t agree with the teaching techniques. They were more interested in the pupil passing an exam than what they actually gained intellectually. I always enjoyed drama and physical education though.

Who inspires you and why?
My mother. If I can grow to be half the person she is, I’ll die happy. I’m here where I am today because of her.

What would you do to make a difference in the world?
I do what I can for the environment and more recently I have cut meat from my diet. You can’t really claim to be an environmentalist and eat meat, doesn’t really go hand in hand with tour-life though, so it’s a challenge! Just be a nice person in general as well, keep an open mind with your fellow humans.

Favourite holiday destination and why?
I recently visited New Zealand I can’t wait to go back, it’s Scotland on steroids! I didn’t see enough of it.

When you’re in Melbourne what attraction will you go to, and why?
I’m going to my first ever AFL game so I’m super excited for that! I don’t really make plans on tour, as I’m so busy and I don’t want to feel disappointed if I miss out. I’ll probably take a wander and try to get lost, best way to explore.

What are you currently reading?
I’m currently re-reading Irvine Welsh’s Filth (shocking I know) but it is genuinely the best book I’ve ever read. It’s so harrowing and shocking and so cleverly structured as a narrative. I also finished reading Jurassic Park. Dinosaurs. What’s not to love?

What are you currently listening to?
I have a very eclectic taste in music, I always make time for punk though. Whether it be Rancid, The Clash, Dropkick Murphys, Operation Ivy or Green Day. I find in times like these that we live in the music is more relevant than ever.

Happiness is?
Doing whatever you want to. Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t follow your dreams, a parent, a friend, a teacher or anyone else. Give them the finger and say, “I’m doing this because it’s what I want to do.”

What does the future hold for you?
For the time being it’s going to be more Trainspotting. It’s the best job I’ve ever had so why ever quit? I also get to work with my best friends and meet so many amazing people. I’d happily do this till I’m 50.

Gavin can be seen in the King’s Head and In Your Face production of Trainspotting – currently playing at Melbourne’s fortyfivedownstairs until 13 April, before heading to the Brisbane Powerhouse from 19 April 2017. For more information, visit: www.trainspottinglive.com for details.

Image: Gavin Ross as Renton in Trainspotting (supplied)