Andrew McMahon

Who would’ve ever guessed that Motley Crue wild-man Tommy Lee was just a big old cuddly teddy bear… It left Andrew McMahon spinning after the former Something Corporate and current Jack’s Mannequin frontman first got together with the legendary drummer on Lee’s album Tommyland: The Ride in 2004. When Lee returned the favour on Jack’s Mannequin album Everything In Transit the follow year; so began a friendship that lasts to this day.

"I heard that Tommy Lee was really into my stuff," recalls McMahon. "It was a case of my manager working with Tommy at the time and somehow Tommy got a copy of one of the old Something Corporate records. One day he asked management for my number and called me out of the blue and he was like, ‘I’m working on this collaboration record, would you be interested in putting your stamp on it?’

"Of course, what do you say to Tommy Lee – no?" laughs McMahon. "So we started writing songs together for his record and we became really good pals along the way. When I started writing the Jack’s Mannequin record I was just sampling drums until I realised that I needed an actual drummer. Tommy came and sat in with me for a couple of nights. Contrary to what people might think of him, he is one of the sweetest, warmest, most thoughtful guys! I honestly have never met anyone who loves music more than he does. He’s got a huge amount of spirit; he’s a giant teddy bear."

At the same time, McMahon recalls facing a battle with acute lymphoblastic leukemia which would lead the singer to create a self-recorded documentary of his struggle with the disease. Having formed a tight-knit friendship with Lee, the drummer didn’t hesitate to contribute to McMahon’s Dear Jack documentary by taking on narration duties.

"Tommy was amazing, he was a real pro about it," remembers McMahon. "The whole experience was deeply affecting me obviously, but it had a big impact on the people around me too. Without a question, it was definitely a tricky time and it takes a lot longer to recover from that mentally rather than physically.

"Five years later, I feel really strong and I have gained back a lot of the confidence that I lost along the way because of the disease. I feel very blessed. Something like that changes you so much. The perspective you assume is ‘thank god I’m alive’ and ‘I’m so grateful to be here’.

"At the same time, it’s a noble fight but it also leaves you confused. You start to question everything – and I mean the really big questions, like ‘if I live or die’. It started to drive me mad after a while because I started to question every small detail of my day; I stopped seeing the purpose of anything, really. The only thing that remains certain in a time like that is the people you love and who love you. The whole experience hasn’t made me some kind of guru or genius about life, but it has changed the way I look at it."

One thing is for sure, however, as McMahon explains – all you need is love. With a brand new Jack’s Mannequin record currently in the works, the frontman says his battle with cancer also led to a new-found appreciation for music and the realization that love really does make the world go round.

"I’m not talking about that we-hung-out-for-a-while-then-we-broke-up kind of love," he laughs. "I mean the real thing. The songs are starting to become this weird tale of complicated modern love. It’s an exploration of love as a deeper thing and not necessary a transient thing. It’s about lasting love, love that’s real and heartfelt. It talks about how amazing love is in the sense that it can be the best thing in your life or it can be the worst thing that causes you more heartache than anything in the world.

"I’m feeling a little bit of anxiety as we approach the finishing line with the record," he adds. "There’s been some uncertainty because I’ve had days where I’ve thought I was done with the record but ended up spending another four months on it! It’s impossible to tell when you should put a stop to an album. I guess I’ve got a lot to say!"

And Australia can’t wait to listen when McMahon makes his way over for a solo tour alongside Jack’s Mannequin guitarist/backup vocalist Bobby Anderson this month. Classic Something Corporate tracks as well as much-loved Jack’s Mannequin favourites are making the setlist, as are McMahon’s solo hits.

"Bobby and I like to throw in a cover in there as well!" McMahon adds happily. "You just don’t know how the show’s going to go, though. On any given night, it could be a Jack’s Mannequin track or a Something Corporate track that makes the biggest moment. Other nights it’ll be a cover. One thing’s for sure – when we play an old Bob Dylan song you can hear a pin drop in the room.

"With acoustic sets, they’re so unique in that so much depends on your vibe in that song in that moment. There is something really charming about acoustic sets. When you strip your songs down to that basic level, sometimes you find new meaning in them. It’s also terrifying in a sense because acoustic sets are so exposing. It’s a highly emotional thing; it can send shivers down your spine."

An evening with ANDREW McMAHON – with Andrew playing Something Corporate, Jack Mannequin and his solo tunes with Booby Anderson – is taking place at The Hi-Fi this Sunday February 13 (this show moved to The Hi-Fi – all tickets purchased for Prince Bandroom show are still valid) – tickets from 1300 THE HIFI, moshtix.com.au and moshtix outlets, plus thehifi.com.au.