Natalie

Nat goes rogue for rock 'n' roll
April 27, 2005

Or at least she didn't want people to know it's her under the rock-chick hair and heavy eye make-up.

Bassingthwaighte has joined Melbourne dance outfit Rogue Traders but the difference between her new get-up and her Neighbours look is no accident.

"We really wanted to keep [my involvement] a secret for as long as possible because we wanted people to like the music without making a judgment one way or the other about me," Bassingthwaighte, who has possibly the longest surname in showbusiness, said.

"I wanted to look a bit different so people would not instantly recognise me. It is nice being anonymous and being part of the group."

The actor met Rogue Traders James Ash and Steve Davis in November. They were looking for a singer and asked her to audition.

"She was the best person we saw," Ash said.

"This is not the Rogue Traders featuring Natalie Bassingthwaighte. She is part of our band."

The Rogue Traders plan to release an album later this year. The Voodoo Child single will be released on May 29.

But the rock-chick look isn't staying for long, next week Bassingthwaighte starts playing Sandy in the arena production of Grease.