Getting so ber made me a better man'

Settling in for a candid chat on the porch of his family’s sprawling 100-year-old farmhouse, James Blundell breaks into a warm smile.

- Craig Bennett

The country music great has invited New Idea to visit his gorgeous property near Stanthorpe, QLD, and is keen to fill us in on his renewed vigour and vitality, as well as the immense love he has for his beautiful brideto-be, Rebecca Williams.

James explains that he has had a sharpened lust for life ever since he quit alcohol last year.

“I feel terrific, the best I’ve felt in years. I couldn’t be happier, and I reckon giving up the booze was the best thing I’ve done in ages,” he tells New Idea.

“I had my first beer when I was 14, but more recently I realised my drinking had become a real problem.

“I was listening to a podcast where Australian actor Brendan Cowell was talking about finding sobriety. Suddenly it all made sense.

“That was an inspiration, so I made the decision to stop. Cold turkey. I have a bottle of expensive whisky sitting on the sideboard, and there’s no temptation. Likewise, it doesn’t phase me if people are drinking around me.”

James also confides his sobriety has strengthened his relationship with Rebecca, to whom he proposed in 2020.

“There’s none of those silly, boozy arguments, plus no hangovers,” he says with a big beam.