Guitar maestro Tommy Emmanuel performs in Christchurch on April 6, his first visit in six years. He talks to us about the thrill of a live audience, Chet Atkins and punters who use their mobile phone during a gig.

Is this your ‘return to normality’ tour? Haha, yes, thank heavens the world has started to get on with things, started going out again. We learned we can’t take live music for granted. I’m busy, I’ve got so much to do and it’s all what I enjoy and want to do.

Are you looking forward to it? I’ve got a lot of new songs and I’m also playing better than ever before in my life. I’m enjoying being back on tour and making a difference for people. And New Zealand has been a big part of my touring life; I’ve been touring here since I was a teenager.

You famously have no setlist for your concerts – how do you work with that? I have a wide repertoire. All I have to know is how I am going to start. There’s no opening act so I’m playing two sets. It allows me the time to do some different stuff. Sometimes it’s brand new, other times I improvise on something I know.

What are you listening to? Nothing particular daily. I go through stages of being a listener. I’ve been up since 5am, I played for two hours this morning. I feel energised and creative. I listen to lots of stuff at home – Frank Sinatra Live at The Sands when cooking. Other times Alison Kraus, The Beatles. People think I must study and listen to the guitar but that’s not true. I’m more interested in singer-songwriters, it helps me get out of my way as a player.

What do you mean? I stop thinking like a guitar player and see it as trying to tell a story, take the listener somewhere. I try not to let all that I already know force its way in. I try to remain in the moment.

Dragon are visiting Christchurch soon after you – you must have fond memories of your time with the band? Dragon are a great, great band. When they asked me to join, I was working with Sharon O’Neill. I was called in to replace Robert Taylor. It was the songs that got me, I loved all their songs. If you want some nostalgia, go to ‘Dragon Live in London 1987’ on YouTube. We toured with Tina Turner and did our own show at the Hammersmith Odeon to an audience of Aussies and Kiwis. It’s the peak of the band as a band.

How do you relax? I’m always relaxed. I’m doing what I love. Let the magic happen.

Where is home now? Nashville, Tennessee, for the last 20 years. I’ve lived all over Australia and in London, San Francisco, LA. I bought a house and became a US citizen so I can come and go.

Tell us about your hero, Chet Atkins? He lit a fire in me. I was seven when I first heard him. We became good friends, like father and son. I really enjoyed being around him and he was so helpful. He took me to places and introduced me – that’s how I got on the Opry. I went there with Chet, and the theatre producer came over to say hello. Chet said, ‘This is a friend of mine from Australia, you should put him on’. The producer turned to me and asked, ‘Next Saturday?’ I would send Chet new songs and he would give feedback. I do the same now. I listen to covers of my songs on the internet and try to be constructive and encouraging. My usual advice is ‘You’re doing really well, just slow down.’

Best and worst moments on the road? Some of the best moments are shows where there is a great audience and we let it fly. Worst moments? That would be Santa Barbara a couple of weeks ago. There was a guy in the front row on his phone the whole time. I eventually stopped and said to him ‘Put that phone away or I will put it somewhere you won’t like’. I mean, if you want to use your phone, go outside! I’m up there pouring my everything into every note and he’s just looking at his stupid phone! I’m in the moment, totally honest and vulnerable.

Do you have a pre-show ritual? I arrive at the venue and start playing. When the crew is ready for the soundcheck, I go out and play. Then I eat dinner and meet people backstage. It’s not about getting pumped up, it’s about getting as calm as possible. Calm and focused as you can. A clear, still mind.

Anything on the cards for when you’re in Christchurch? This is my first visit since shortly after the quakes. It was pretty amazing to see the buildings that had fallen down but also to play for people that were so happy to be there.

tommyemmanuel.com