Bill Bailey on music, mischief and touring Australia

Bill Bailey, known for his ability to make people laugh and think, is currently on an extensive tour of Australia. During an appearance on ABC Classic Breakfast, Bailey discussed his experiences around the world and what makes Australia special. He recounted a memorable skydiving adventure with his son in Australia, where they witnessed whales breaching in the bay from the beach.

When asked about the best musical experience, Bailey shared his time spent filming a documentary in Vietnam's remote highlands, where he learned to accompany a local musician playing an ancient bamboo instrument called the khèn. The artist's unique skill and the transformative power of music across cultures were evident in their collaboration.

Bailey also discussed playing the Royal Albert Hall organ at the Last Night of the Proms, recalling the immense effort involved in rehearsing at midnight and operating a foot-pedal bell on live television during his performance of Leroy Anderson's "The Typewriter." Throughout his career, Mozart's Piano Concerto No. 21 has had the greatest impact on Bailey, thanks to the encouragement of his music teacher Linda, who instilled in him the belief in his own abilities.