John Williamson: Celebrating 50 Years

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Presented by Artist Network

In 2021 Australian music icon John Williamson will celebrate his 51^st anniversary in the entertainment industry and foresee closing the book on his regular touring.

When John Williamson wandered into Richmond’s GTV9 studios in 1970 with a guitar under his arm, little did the Mallee farmer realise he’d make a 50+-year career out of singing and performing. His performance of ‘Old Man Emu’, the first song John had ever written, on Channel Nine’s popular New Faces program resulted in a number one single and a record deal. It also marked the appearance of a striking new talent: an unofficial custodian of Australian stories.

Half a century on, John Williamson has made an art of expertly capturing Australia in song. Painting lyrical pictures of our unique fauna and flora, landscapes and people, John has encapsulated the beauty, wonder and, sometimes, heartbreak of life Down Under. From boabs to billabongs and snowy mountains to sandy beaches, the Mallee-born songwriter’s 52 albums­–including 20 original studio albums–have traversed Australia like a dust-covered road train, deftly moving between larrikin humour and touching pathos.

‘The Winding Back Tour’ takes in more than 40 dates across Australia through to the end of 2021.

‘While I’m not looking to retire just yet, once I’ve completed my 2021 Winding Back Tour I’ll be scaling down my live appearances,’ John says. ‘I’ve always loved the connection I receive when performing, so you’ll still see me popping up at festivals and special events. ‘Winding Back’ means I’m looking forward to spending more time in the garden and less time away from home.’

With his honours including the ARIA Hall of Fame, an Order of Australia, 28 Golden Guitar Awards, Australian Roll of Renown induction, not to mention over 5 million albums sold and thousands of shows performed, it’s hard to begrudge the 75-year-old a less hectic schedule. First though, there’s a 51st anniversary to celebrate.

Perhaps John’s greatest legacy is making Australians proud of their country and of who they are. So, don’t miss him, True Blue himself, in your town or city for what could be the final time.

A Message from John

How y’going folks
It is with great sadness that I have to announce the postponement of my concert at Ipswich Civic Centre on Thursday 15 October 2020. My team have been working very hard to find a new date for this concert and it will now be held on Friday 9 April 2021.
The Coronavirus is having such a devastating effect on everyone; their health, jobs and financial security. It’s a terribly worrying time for so many. Like an increasing number of you, my musicians and crew have basically been shut down overnight.
I’ve been enjoying performing more than ever and will now look forward to sharing my 50^th year with you later in the year or in my 51^st year, in 2021. I’m so frequently reminded by my loyal fans what joy and hope my music brings to people and I thank you for that and hope you can keep listening.
In the meantime, let’s all take a deep breath, look after each other, stay safe and I will definitely see you along the road of song in 2021.  John