Powderfinger have been an indelible part of the Australian music landscape ever since third album Internationalist won them chart success and ARIA awards in the late 90s. Even before that, second album Double Allergic had garnered them a big fanbase, but there’s probably not a lot of people out there who have been fans since debut Parables For Wooden Ears (and from all reports, the band like it that way).

Since Internationalist, it’s been success after success – back to back wins of the JJJ Hottest 100, ARIA awards by the bucketful, platinum-selling records, sold out national tours and headlining festival spots. In November, however, this will all come to an end, as Powderfinger call it a day. Of course, they’re going out with a bang in the form of a national tour, which starts in September.

On the eve of the tour, FL spoke to drummer Jon Coghill about their last tour, any regrets he might have from two decades in music, and what’s next for him.

Late last year, Powderfinger had to cancel a European tour due to a giant ash cloud blocking all flights. In 2010, they managed to get back there in what turned out to be their swansong international tours. “We went through the UK for two weeks, and then got over to South Africa to play some shows over there, which was great because it was during the World Cup, so we got to see Australia play Germany.”

And how do international audiences like one of Australia’s favourite bands? “We’re received pretty well usually. Although, its usually 80% Australians in the audience, so it’s a bit like a gig back home, but a bit crazier. But that’s okay, because on tour, sometimes you can get a bit homesick, but because you’re feeling it with the audience, that helps, and it can get really sentimental.”

Powderfinger have been around for nearly two decades, and there’s no doubt that success has contributed to their longevity. If they hadn’t become so popular, Coghill says he’s sure they wouldn’t still be playing local gigs at Rics and The Zoo? “No, not at all. Mostly because we didn’t just blow up instantly – we started out in 1991, and it took five years of being on the road to start making any money. If it had gone on a bit longer, where we weren’t getting anywhere, it probably would have ended. It’s not good for your lifestyle, or your relationships, that kind of thing, and if it had gone on any longer, I think my parents and my girlfriend would have tapped me on the shoulder and said, ‘Get a real job’”.

The band will head out on their last ever tour in September through November, playing all capitals and a bunch of regional centres. There will no doubt be some emotional moments as the band say goodbye to the fans that have kept them at the top of Australian music for over a decade. “I think it’s going to be great fun, but it’s also going to be sad. I haven’t really thought about it too much just yet, because it hasn’t started.”

Joining the band on tour will be some other well known Australian rock bands – You Am I, Jet, and The Vines will all take part in various shows – surely a chance for mass-singalongs at the gigs? “Possibly. We know the guys from You Am I really well, I don’t really know the guys from The Vines, but I’m good mates with Jet’s drummer. I guess in the end it’ll totally depend on who wants to get up – maybe some nights it’ll fit the vibe, and maybe some nights it won’t.”

And how has preparation for the tour been going? Does he have a favourite song he’s looking forward to playing one last time? “It’s been great. We were playing all the old songs, because that’s what were going to be doing at these shows. But we’re also doing some of the new ones, I like the new ones, because playing them live really gives you a chance to know the song a little better. I think Iberian Dream might be my favourite Powderfinger song right now, because it feels really good to get in there and play it, but that’ll probably change later today.”

And any plans for starting up a new band, or solo project? “Actually, I’m going back to study, and try to finish my degree. Once I’m done with that, I might put the feelers out and see whats happening. I don’t think I’d be doing anything solo, but I might look to join other bands, just to have a chance to keep playing. I’m just not keen to be off touring the world any more.”

And finally, any regrets from his 20 year (so far) career in music? “No, none at all. I’m not one of the people who thinks like that, I just take it as it comes. For me, the journey has been as good as the results, so it’s all been fun.”

Check out FasterLouder’s tribute gallery of live Powderfinger photos