Chesney Hawkes shot to fame in the early 1990s with his unforgettable hit “The One and Only.” Decades later, the pop star’s proudest moments aren’t on the radar charts—they’re on stage beside his 19-year-old son, Indy. In our latest episode of The Dadsnet Podcast, Chesney opened up about the life-changing experience of touring with his son, blending parenting with life under the spotlight. The results? Raw, emotional, and utterly inspiring.
From Bandmates to Father-Son Duo
Chesney chuckles as he recalls the whirlwind of rehearsals, trailers, and festival chaos: “My boy’s on tour with us—sleeping in buses in Germany, pressing pedals, crashing motorways with us—it’s been a mad, unforgettable internship for him.” Indy isn’t just tagging along; he’s the band’s lead guitarist. From intimate theatres to festival stages packed with tens of thousands, he’s inherited more than his dad’s guitar: he’s inherited the spotlight—and the nerve.
When Dad Helm Meets Band Leader
But it’s not all guitar solos and groupies. Mixing business with family brings its own challenges—like when Indy forgets his pedal before a big event. Chesney describes it as a balancing act: boss-mode meets father-mode.
“I have to think, ‘Would I boss him offstage if he wasn’t my son?’ Yes, probably. So I find a way to tell him—like I would any paid guitarist—but I also lead with love.”
That gentle, thoughtful coaching is something only a dad-bandleader could deliver—and it’s clear Chesney gets it.
The Power of Shared Passion
There’s something electrifying about the relationship between Chesney and Indy on stage. Chesney admits he misses the youthful spark when his son isn’t there. “It’s me and a bunch of older men at soundcheck,” he laughs, “and then Indy arrives and—bang—the electric energy arrives, too.” Crowds are responding, too, cheering on the father-son duet with a warmth that melts any road-weariness.
Why This Tour Feels Different
This isn’t just any UK headline tour. Earlier this year, Chesney toured alongside James Blunt, revisiting the arena stages he once knew in the ’90s. But this time, the spotlight isn’t just on the headliner—it’s on legacy. When a stage can hold 50,000, and Chesney glances over to Indy shredding effortlessly beside him, it’s not a career highlight—it’s a soul highlight.
What Every Dadsnet Dad Needs to Hear
This episode of The Dadsnet Podcast isn’t just for music-lovers—it’s for any parent who’s ever tried to mix parenting with passion: business, hobbies, or family tradition. Chesney demonstrates that legacy isn’t about what you leave when you’re gone, it’s what you pass on when you’re present.
🎧 Want to feel inspired by fatherhood, faith, music, and legacy? Listen to Chesney’s episode now on The Dadsnet Podcast.
