Much-loved and outrageously funny comedian Kevin Bloody Wilson returns to Tauranga next month for two shows packed with his long-loved original gems, his daughter and a few surprises.

The September 4-5 Baycourt shows are part of Wilson’s Aussie Icon Tour, in which he shares some of his funniest songs and hilarious stories, and shoots down political correctness for Kiwi fans.

“It changes night-to-night,” said Wilson. “There are a few anchor songs we do every show but the rest is flexible. For instance, something might happen on the way to Tauranga and that will go into the show.”

He likes to keep things fresh. “I have 21 albums, so I’m constantly mixing things up.”

Since 1984

Since releasing his first album Your Average Australian Yobbo in 1984 and hit songs like Hey Santa Claus, Wilson has become a global comedy institution with an extensive multi-generational fan base stretching from the Australian Outback to Buckingham Palace, and most definitely to New Zealand.

Kevin Bloody Wilson is back in Tauranga, with fresh content and his gold old favourites, on September 4-5. Photo / Supplied

“I love being on stage when every bugger in the audience knows every word to my songs. I now call them my DILLIGAF Choir and I don’t think there is a bigger choir in the world!”

He also loves New Zealand. “It’s the most beautiful country. We call it our budget tour of Europe!”

Daughter Jenny

Supporting Wilson is his favourite artist – and daughter – Jenny Talia, who is first on-stage to warm up the crowd. After touring with her for 15 years, Wilson said they make a great team.

While living in Nashville and working as a country singer-songwriter, she learnt her dad was to do 75 solo shows in 90 days.

“She said: ‘You need a support act’. I always wanted a female support act to add gender balance. She said: ‘Dad, I can do that!’”

He wanted her to stick to her knitting.

“She said: ‘Dad, I’ve been f***ing up your songs since I was 14!’”

After she sang one of his songs from a female perspective, that was it.

Singing along

Performing for 48 years, Wilson said inspiration still comes “from writing songs for my mates about my mates” as it did in the pubs of Kalgoorlie. “For example, Mick the Master Farter is a real person and he’s still with us. The irony of it is that everyone knows a Mick the Master Farter.”

Wilson believes audiences keep returning because “the stuff I write about is evergreen; it never dates”.

The 78-year-old has no plans to slow down. “I love what I do! I get my jollies off by having people be a part of it. If you have people singing along, you know you’ve done a good job!”

Kevin Bloody Wilson’s Aussie Icon Tour is in New Zealand from August 29-September 23.

Purchase tickets to Tauranga’s September 4-5 shows from Eventfinda.