Australian music icon John Williamson is on the road and heading to Port Stephens.
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Williamson will perform music from his 50th album, Honest People, along with some of the greatest hits from his 40-year career when he stops at Wests Nelson Bay Diggers on October 20.
John Williamson Live in Concert is considered an experienced not to miss for all fans – young, old, new or those who have been around since he first began making waves in 1970.
When you review the country music singer’s albums and songs, you can see why Williamson has earned himself long and successful career.
During the past 40 years he has released 50 albums and consistently toured the country.
He has almost shunned celebrity, resisting offers to take his music to the international stage, instead preferring to stay true to his passion: Australia and its characters.
Williamson’s voice and sound is as recognisable and important to Australia as the Southern Cross is to the flag.
Many of Williamson’s singles such as True Blue, Home Among the Gum Trees and Rip Rip Woodchip, just to name a few, are considered unofficial Australian anthems.
They are tributes to legends and unsung heroes, ballads that have captured the spirit of the nation.
By his estimate, Williamson said True Blue is played at funerals around Australia at least once a week.
He hears about it all the time and is immensely gratified and proud.
“It's not the best song I have written by a long shot,” he said.
“But people bury their mum or dad to it and that's the nicest accolade you can get for a song.
“Every show I do there's someone who has buried someone with it.
“It's precious to me because it is precious to a lot of Australians.
“I've been offered huge amounts to sell it as a theme for a big industry but that would be the worst thing that could happen.”
He has performed at some of Australia’s most historic and nation-stopping events, and to battlers across the country.
Williamson said one of his proudest career moments was in 1998 before the Wallabies took on the All Blacks when 80,000
Aussies sang Waltzing Matilda the Williamson way – as a ballad.
Williamson was inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame in 2010 and is the recipient of countless awards including 25 Golden Guitars, APRA Awards, and three ARIA Awards.
Williamson is honest, passionate and open. The title of his
latest album, Honest People, could easily describe the man
himself.
During his visit to Nelson Bay, Williamson will showcase new songs like Heatwave, Girt By Sea, Clouds Over Tamworth, Keep Walking, Kings and Queens.
Williamson has the ability to deliver unforgettable live concert experiences that
combine a mix of humour, a hint of romance and campfire stories that are
tied together by his music.
Tickets to see John Williamson at Wests Nelson Bay Diggers, available from the club or online from westsnewcastle.com.au, cost $49.
The Examiner has a double pass (two tickets) to give away to the Nelson Bay performance on October 20 which starts at 8pm.
To win, send your name and daytime contact number in an email titled “Williamson” to huntercommunities@fairfaxmedia.com.au.
The winner will be notified by 5pm on Monday, October 16.
Ellie-Marie Watts
A journalist with 10 years experience, Ellie-Marie connects readers to the stories that matter in their communities. A Port Stephens-based news, sport and event writer and photographer with a passion for human interest features.
A journalist with 10 years experience, Ellie-Marie connects readers to the stories that matter in their communities. A Port Stephens-based news, sport and event writer and photographer with a passion for human interest features.
