Many musicians had to look for alternative employment during covid - and Roy Orbison impersonator Dean Bourne was no different.
The Australian is back in Ireland for his latest Roy Orbison tribute Irish tour, which includes dates at Cork Opera House on April 26 and Dublin's Vicar Street on April 27.
Roy Orbison, of course, was one of the most influential pop stars of all time in a career that began in the late 1950s and lasted until his death in 1988.
His relationship with Bruce Springsteen brought him to a new audience and being part of the Travelling Wilburys with Tom Petty, George Harrison and Bob Dylan elevated his iconic status.
During Covid when touring for artists stopped, Dean Bourne worked as a prison officer, driving the bus for convicts between court appearances and work routines just like in the Roy Orbison Song Workin' For The Man.
Dean recalls: "I had just finished my second sold out tour of Ireland with wonderful success and in discussions with my promoter and friend, [promoter] Pat Egan, to come back for a third time.
"Then the world stopped, COVID-19 Pandemic, it was as if someone turned off a light switch, my career as a successful touring artist had ended.
"I had to do something to pay the bills so I drove a tipper truck doing road works for a few months and also drove buses and coaches which I enjoyed very much but I needed something more secure so I became a Correctional Officer (Prison Officer) . . . I graduated in 2020.
"I have since moved into our Court Escort & Security Unit, where I take inmates, both male and females to and from correctional facilities and the same in the courts. I enjoy the job very much, at times it can be very challenging but it can also be rewarding.
"There is always an opportunity to talk to someone and perhaps make a difference in their lives, communication is the key in the job, along with being a good listener, most importantly is treating everyone with dignity and respect."
But music was always going to get Dean from behind the steering wheel and back on stage.
Dean is wildly regarded as the nearest thing to the real Roy Orbison, with his soaring falsetto vocals and a genuine visual likeness.
Dean Bourne brings the essence of Roy Orbison to life, performing all the classics in his show Roy Orbison Reborn!
"I am really looking forward to touring Ireland once again this April," he said. "Ireland holds a special place for me as my great grandparents were born there.
"My wife and I have had the opportunity to visit many beautiful places in Ireland, it’s truly one of the most beautiful countries anywhere in the world."
Disclaimer: The copyright of this article belongs to the original author. Reposting this article is solely for the purpose of information dissemination and does not constitute any investment advice. If there is any infringement, please contact us immediately. We will make corrections or deletions as necessary. Thank you.
