Lime Spiders: Richard Lawson talks world tours and meeting his idols

Now 60, and more than 30 years after the band disbanded in 1990, Lawson is still releasing music from his home in Mystery Bay.

His most recent EP Airs and Graces was released last month, and is seeing play on local radio stations.

"Music has been with me since I was hiding under my pillow listening to Russell Morris in 1969," he said.

"I bought my first album at Grace Brothers in Chatswood when I was five, and I decided then I wanted to be on a record.

"I ended up playing the drums after some clarinet lessons and found I was pretty good at it, so I started learning The Ramones, The Sex Pistols, and then ended up joining the Lime Spiders in 1983.

"I spent a whirlwind time with them - I enjoyed every single minute."

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During his time with the band, he toured both the United States and Europe and played alongside some of the biggest names in punk music.

"We were backstage at the Universal Amphitheatre in Los Angeles just hanging out with Stewart Copeland from The Police, Billy Idol, and John Lydon from The Sex Pistols," he said.

"Iggy Pop and Joey Ramone came to see us in New York, and they were fans of the band.

"Just being in the same place as some of your idols was amazing, and having them know who you were was even more special."

Mr Lawson has now recorded seven albums since The Lime Spiders disbanded in 1990, including a stint away from music as an olive farmer in Mudgee.

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"I needed a break from music - it was pretty full on and hectic," he said.

"I set up an olive farm and B&B in Mudgee and did that for 10 years.

"The olive oil out of Mudgee is frequently up there with the world's best at international shows - it's like green gold."

Since his move to Mystery Bay five years ago, Mr Lawson has put several other strings in his bow.

"I always liked the South Coast, and Mudgee was getting too hot," he said.

"I have a few mates down here with recording studios, and there are plenty of musos down here, so it made sense.

"I'm a music teacher as well, and we did a lot of free lessons for kids from Cobargo after the fires. I also get around as the Lone Drummer, I'll play drums at environmental protests.

"There so many beautiful things down here that inspire me - the sound of the water and the trees."