'Blues prodigy' Nathan Cavaleri talks childhood fame and his return to music | Australian Story

[@erikakunze4440]

I saw this repeat two nights ago. I met Nathan last year at Mitchell creek rock n blues festival at Kandanga on the Sunshine Coast. He was very awesome and a nice friendly guy. I would go to his shows again one day. What a legend.

[@Jesse-B]

I saw Nathan at the Geraldton hotel when I was working in WA, maybe '97 (?). Whilst marvelling at his skill and talent, I wondered what options a kid that age really had for a long-term music career, once he grew facial hair, and became another adult guitarist in a competitive field, rather than the novelty of "child prodigy"... last year's news. I got tears in my eyes more than once during this story, felt his anguish, and then so bloody happy he got his mojo back, great story Auntie. Onya Nathan I'm proud of you old son.

[@ThatSockmonkey]

Me and my sister saw Johnny Diesel and the Injectors at the basketball stadium on 8th Street in 1989. And I started learning guitar in Geraldton too, I got lessons from a guy named Frank. That would have been 89 as well, by the time Nathan Cavaleri was on telly, we'd moved to Bunbury.

[@mymatemartin]

An amazing story of a person's individual journey managing the stresses of talent, success and identity. Glad to see you survived it Nathan and wish you the best of luck and inner happiness in all that you choose to do.

[@sparkleybitz]

''THE FANS ARE CHEERING" Thank you for the music mate, much love.

[@emmasputnik]

Watching Nathan Cavaleri, on my birthday, at Sydney Guitar Festival was one of the greatest gigs of my life! Thanks for all the music Nathan, you are amazing and have been, all your life!

[@cbinsyd]

Used to watch him play on Queens St Campbelltown when I was a young boy. Love seeing him still around.

[@matthewharris3898]

Courageous vulnerability. What a journey. Good on you Nathan.

[@MrBoggles]

Looking back It’s from seeing guys like this on tv that lit the spark for me to pick up the guitar We’re about the same age.. I only wish now I had picked it up a lot earlier.. full respect to the man!!

[@noworriesimfijian]

Great to see that he’s pulled through and is still here with us. Thanks for the inspiration mate. God bless always.

[@tattoochicky]

I saw Nathan last night for his solo gig and he was amazing I felt so honoured to hear his music and listen to his story

[@BDHO73]

He was a smart kid. Best wishes to him. He’s still got the chops.And Mark Knopfler, what a top bloke.

[@lauranceemory4448]

Beautiful story. I started guitar at 15, quit for 20 yrs or so, took it up again when on stress disability. Still playing, explain to people it's my therapy. Glad you're playing for yourself (not in selfish way, but sometimes ya gotta give to yourself). Best wishes Nathan

[@hossamoto]

Nate, had no idea man. The talent is so amazing. The vision through your eyes is what pulled me in. I must admit I am saddened by the lack of work I have put into my music. Keep it going man, you are doing amazing things, with much to come.

[@mattyone78]

I have been tuning into Nathan's twitch stream for a couple of months now, such a good vibe, and as I have said to him in his stream chat, he is a national treasure.

[@rossfletcher4362]

I'm so glad I watched this, I had no idea what you went through or what a talented guitarist you are. I'm so glad you made it through mate.

[@billybobwombat2231]

Hard to say the right stuff, wondered what happened to your journey, great to see you coming through the hard times, all the best fella 🤙🦘

[@bodhi9464]

Nat is amazing - blew the world away with his talent as a young kid - turned into a great man - love ya man 🎸🇦🇺

[@FionaEm]

I remember him on Hey, Hey. He was amazing! Sorry he went through such a hard time but glad he's finding his way back 😊

[@jodirafferty3026]

Had no idea he suffered so much. Nathan needs to be proud! He is Nathan Cavelleri🙌❤️🇦🇺

[@Koiler8]

So good to see him back in the game. A great Australian.

[@fiddlestix3025]

There are so many things in this life’s story which make me think….. Thanks for sharing your story and your learning with us, Nathan 🙏 In the end, music can heal so many wounds 🧡

[@TheMrSark]

What a beast.

[@lueysixty-six7300]

I stumbled onto this video whilst playing my lake placid Blue Strat, and I couldn't help but grin along with young Nathan jamming on his! I remember Nathan playing his blue, and Sometimes black Strat...I had no idea he was fighting cancer! It was making him black and blue.And then adolescence was his biggest hurdle..

[@Whos-That-Guy]

I remember Nathan from Hey Hey. I am the same ages as him and I was mesmerised by him. He was the kid I wanted to be. He is the reason I play guitar. But like all average guitarist, I am a better bass player. haha..

[@OneBitStream]

Mate, I was going to type something similar. Same age and grew up playing blues, listening to his CD "Jamming with the Cats". Great to see him happy. Also, when I saw that black guitar with the black sparkle pickguard it brought back memories, still drooling over that setup haha.

[@vgomesbr]

What an inspiring story! 🙌 I hope Nathan gets the love and success he deserves!

[@daviddemar8749]

That was really moving. Good on ya Nathan I wish you all the best .God bless you and your whole family. A gazillion thanks to your mom and dad as well.😊🎼🎵🎶🎵🎶🎸❤

[@elizabethalaga7572]

I will never forget him He inspired so much into one spirit & life when he was in sAN fRANCISCO AND PLAYED AT LOU 47 PIER gOD FOREVER BLESS NATHAN AND HIS FAMILY AND HIS MUSIC

[@JudgeBluey]

As a drummer for Nathan one week of shows, I had a ball, and would play with this guy again in a heartbeat. Even let him play a Texas Shuffle for a song or two...and the crowd went nuts! Go Nathan Go.......wanna drummer matey?

[@Dilligaf666]

Showing my age this kid used to kick butt on his guitar on "hey hey its saturday".. great story guys keep em coming

[@theadventuresofzoomandbettie]

That's where I first found him too, and as a kid was so inspired!

[@mikekelly1771]

I often think about you. I have for many years. You were such an inspiration to me growing up. Seeing this really gave me some resolve, and happiness. Thanks for staying true to yourself, and doing what is of 100% purest intent. Magnificent!

[@theadventuresofzoomandbettie]

This was awesome. I was so inspired by him as a kid when I first picked up a guitar.

[@crannaford]

My friends and I took the opportunity to see Nathan and his band perform at the Grace Emily Hotel in Adelaide recently (Aug 23) and we were utterly captivated. The sheer passion and dedication they poured into their music created an atmosphere that was truly palpable. They had a stage presence right up there with the best of the best. When we were leaving, you could tell the audience was on a high. I heard comments like "How lucky were we to see that!"

[@sophiejellybean]

I remember watching Nathan on Hey Hey as a kid too. What a talent, and a remarkable human.

[@CharlieonArden]

Always a star in our eyes Nath!

[@Majse0812]

He's amazing!!!!!!👏❤

[@fordprefect80]

The Civic Theatre is in Newcastle for anyone who's interested. That was a lot of fame for a little boy to handle. All the best Nathan.

[@aussie8114]

He even got to meet Ozzie Ostrich 🤩

[@mwmentor]

Awesome story... really inspirational - I am the Dad of a ALL survivor - I will show him your story tomorrow... Hat's off to Nathan :)

[@judemelroses9920]

Digging the 90s look

[@mattsawake6]

God bless you and your family Nathan 🙏🙂

[@davebogan1451]

Very happy to see your story and to see you’ve found your happiness by ways of music 🎼 and family damn good thing you didn’t give up

[@robertoetojo5861]

INCREDIBLE STORY ..N.CAVALERI IS A STAR . WHO WOULD PLAY WITH.. M. KNOFFLER ..BB KING .M JACKSON... SURVIVOR .. all the Best Nathan pray to GOD WHO LOOKS AFTER ALL OF US .LEAVE IT TO HIM... E THING GONNA BE OK.. Cheers BUDDY

[@synapses53]

Worked for his dad Frank I. The bricklaying as a labourer for a handful of years when I was around 16 . Frank was the most humble and generous bloke . He had big team of bricklayers and Nathan use to hand out the pay packet's sometimes . Good times . Hats of to Frank and Nathan. Respect 🙏

[@jillsabine1814]

What a great guy.... hope all is still going well for you Nathan

[@Ozeshin]

Geebus....were you playing with Tal at the Paralympic opening ceremony? OMG...dream come true right there. Always watched and followed you and wished you the best mate. I'm from your dad's era guitar influences...my boys play because of me so I know how proud your dad is of you :)

[@benpotaka5893]

Does anyone see a Michael Hutchene resemblance?

[@rickg8015]

A mix of Hutchence and Prince?

[@jennyc1846]

Followed you when you were a kid Nathan. Saw you in (York WA) way back when., when you played with one top Aussie Tommy Emmanuel..pity he didn't get a mention in your story only the overseas artists. You have grown into an amazing man and travelled a journey most of us don't even think bout. Good luck for the future. Stay well, stay happy, keep smiling🙏🤗

[@livingwaters2012]

This bloke beat leukaemia, got to jam with Mark Knophler and BB King, what a legend!! Aussie Derek Trucks !

[@jackblake808]

Bloody brilliant and excellent new album out now, Demons to number 1 for sure 🇦🇺❤️

[@tattoochicky]

Anxiety can be crippling and I remember you on TV you really have born talent sorry you went though alot. I'm really happy to say I'll be seeing you preform soon in QLD.

[@CharlieRootsMusic]

I have those same daily feelings that lead to panic attacks. I felt every word you said . Fear of death drives spiritual obsession also for me. If I'm not thinking about one Its the other. I play music from my room for myself, rarely in front of family anxieties are so bad nowadays .

[@dexterdean]

Glad you made it through mate as I also knoe what it's like to fight the demons of depression.. No matter what anyone or any doctor will tell you .you have to fight it for yourself, they can only try and guide you. So well done. And having children dose make you stronger because it isn't just about yourself any more but little human beings to protect and love.

[@Glen-Allan]

love this guy ..thanks for the insight

[@angelmeyers1455]

There are many good lessons to be learned here...one is an appreation of how others indeed make my life brighter...

[@intensecutn]

Been a guitar player since I was a kid and he was my hero when I was little.

[@chrisc1106]

Great story and great to hear you pulled through Nathan. Keep on strumming !

[@fleurlewis]

Wow this is so profound !!! My son was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia when he was 7 .. He's now 17 and suffers anxiety, bouts of depression , insomnia and lack of confidence.. He tries to convey and always had since his chemo treatment, that he can't think or remember or contain information. It had gotten way worse since mid year 10 .. Then start of year 11 and expectations on him , bullied by a teacher and not feeling like he could keep up with his peers academically .. He's struggling with who he is and trying to figure out his purpose in life. It's so hard as a mum watching his pain. Wanting to be there and help but knowing when to step back out of respect for his personal space and need to sort things out his way.. It's not always just the case that a child or anyone coming through and out of cancer is suddenly ok .. there are other post chemo issues for many too... Sometimes for many years after treatment. ☹️

[@brownsworthy7323]

I remember being jealous of Nathan when I was young. We're the same age have the same name both play guitar but he was a brilliant player and I wasn't. Glad to hear he's going ok always wondered what happened to him.

[@anEyePhil]

Newcastle has that beautiful historic CIVIC theatre. I used to watch movies there in the 1950s.

[@jazminnew3757]

Awesome

[@rphntw1n]

This dude is really special.

[@robertoetojo5861]

Remarkable Career You have done it NATHAN

[@anyone890]

Love this guy. Best thing he ever did and he probably hates it is his band Dirty Skanks. Listened to their album for probably 15 years and it is killer.

[@charlene4189]

Of course I remember Nathan Cavaleri. Nathan Cavaleri doesn't remember me. But that does not matter. Nathan Cavaleri does. Life matters. All lives matter.

[@jyee2217]

Promoters and parents of child prodigies and celebrities should insist on professional counseling/mentoring/life skills coaching to help keep these kids' heads screwed on straight.

[@MrPnew1]

A fantastic family

[@leannekatmartin9962]

Over the years I have often wondered how Nathan was and what he was doing. Great episode of Australian Story.

[@andreflavell2689]

What a gracious intelligent creative talented man

[@DC180]

Glad ge got through his dark days.... music heals

[@FrankyF4Fingers]

Awsome personallity. I found him through twitch and a man called "Pestily" who is raising one Year Money for Starlight and his Story and his hole attitude is just remarkeble. Nathan rly is a strong and selfrefelcted Person and i wish him the best of luck. looking Forward for the next stream from him!

[@clifflee7461]

Great story,You own it Keep going

[@sgtcaco]

What a top bloke he is.

[@walkyourdog6584]

Talented dude. Amazing.

[@bradmcqueen8104]

Thanks Nathan.

[@snatchman100675]

Nice guy and amazing musician

[@svarthelikoptern]

Nath, do what makes you happy. 🤙

[@jarnosaarinen4583]

Go Nate!

[@brack1936]

I think watching this has actually helped me a bit. Now I just need to have a little success with sleeping.

[@chawnce]

Check him out on twitch, he plays live and its awesome.

[@nitaz1]

Awesome!

[@mchristr]

It's said that when you can play the blues, you'll always have a job. Just relax, play your guitar in the clubs, and make people smile.

[@jedjen7473]

Nathan was good friends with my younger cousin Daniel at the time that he was "discovered", great guitarist.

[@sherylchristos1986]

Inspiring story.

[@rosswelsh4296]

who's here from pestily's stream?

[@erraticleeme6760]

*Legend* 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👍👏 He’s come a long way since “click clack front & back”...😂👍🍻✌️✊

[@majorfeelgoodrecords2740]

I betcha he’s still got his mojo working 🎼🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘

[@KenithCopeland]

ayyyy, my first guitar was a peavy nathan cavaleri

[@tour33]

Well wishes Nathan and family 😇

[@Mambey]

The dudes a champion and a shit hot guitar player.

[@proinseas_]

Starlight Starlight The first star I see tonight I wish I may, I wish I might Have the wish I wish tonight

[@jettstap]

Passion comes at a cost

[@iansing5278]

Go Nathan, Thanks Royal Alexandra Hospital Starlight Foundation, Australian Story...

[@adgone01]

Oh, the kid from the episode of Baywatch Nights!

[@scottfredricey9370]

He needs an effort seeing you when you were 14 I picked back up the harp thank you very much

[@brendanlindsaywebb4932]

now that's a hi-hat 20:01 :D

[@bossdog1480]

Taj Farrant is the new kid on the block now. I wonder how he will turn out...

[@antoniajane5442]

Very talented too.

[@gordonbezanson4710]

That kid is very full of himself. Good player but not a fan of his personality.

[@VelvetYeti]

"I just got paid" Classic!

[@gordonbezanson4710]

He reminded me of Michael Hutchinson

[@davenorman8251]

Taj Farrant says than Nathan is his inspiration.

[@NicholasMarkovich]

subtitles are way out of sync

[@ABCNewsIndepth]

We are working on fixing that now.