What has this Brisbane Lions great been up to lately? OR Footy Boots to Microphone: Richard Champion's Second Act

Still Rockin' It - Cheryl Lee

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Join Cheryl Lee - That Radio Chick on STILL ROCKIN' IT for news, reviews, music and interviews with some of our favourite Australian musician

What happens when the final siren sounds and the spotlight shifts from the football field to the concert stage? Former AFL champion Richard Champion reveals his remarkable transformation from Brisbane Lions stalwart to Jimmy Barnes tribute vocalist in this captivating conversation.
Born in rural South Australia and drafted to Brisbane in 1988, Richard's journey through professional football was marked by loyalty during the club's darkest years. But beneath the tough exterior of the number one guernsey-wearing defender lay an unexpected talent that would blossom in his post-football life. He shares how team footy trips became his first stage, with teammates pushing him to perform after a few beers, unknowingly laying the groundwork for his musical future.
The conversation weaves through his rich tapestry of experiences – from winning $30,000 for his football club with a Jimmy Barnes impersonation to his daughters' initial embarrassment ("How cringe!") when he joined his first band just three years ago. Now performing with "Flame Trees Barnes Forever" alongside the Australian INXS Tribute Show, he brings Cold Chisel classics to audiences across the country, including a recent performance at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre.
What sets Richard Champion apart from the stereotypical rock star is his professional approach to performance. While his bandmates might request specific alcoholic beverages backstage, his non-negotiable is coconut water – "I am a cheap buy," he jokes, explaining how alcohol affects his vocal performance. This blend of entertainment professionalism, sporting discipline, and genuine passion for music paints the portrait of a man who's found a fulfilling second act after the applause of the football crowd faded.
Whether you're a sports fan, music lover, or simply appreciate stories of reinvention, Champion's journey from footy boots to microphone stands as testament to embracing new passions at any stage of life. Tune in to hear how this AFL legend is still rocking it in ways he never imagined.

What has Richard Champion been up to lately? Let's find out!!

Get out when you can, support local music and I'll see you down the front!!
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Chapters

1. Introduction to Richard Champion (00:00:00)

2. From Country Boy to AFL Star (00:02:29)

3. Music Origins and Family Life (00:06:13)

4. Joining Flame Trees Barns Forever (00:10:49)

5. TV Appearances and Entertainment Career (00:17:56)

6. Life Beyond Football and Music (00:21:31)

7. Final Thoughts and Closing (00:25:10)