Australian music icon John Williamson has officially announced his retirement from touring after an illustrious career spanning more than 55 years. The 80-year-old singer-songwriter made this revelation during his performance at the Tamworth Country Music Festival, marking it as his final show on the road.
In an interview with NBN News, Williamson expressed his mixed feelings about leaving the touring scene. “I’ll keep writing songs. I still love writing songs and I still love playing, but I really am over being on the road,” he stated. He emphasized the importance of enjoying life outside of music, saying, “I’ve got a lot of things I want to do – I’m 80 now – and I want to do it before I drop dead.”
Williamson’s farewell tour, titled ‘My Travellin’ Days Are Done’, includes a series of performances culminating in three sold-out shows at his private property in the Gold Coast hinterland. He reflected on his decision to retire, noting, “I think it’s good to pull out while I’m still doing good shows and I’m not having to read the lyrics or have monitors on the stage.”
A Legacy of Music and Impact
Bursting onto the music scene in 1970 with his novelty hit ‘Old Man Emu’, Williamson quickly became a household name. Over his career, he has released 21 studio albums and garnered an impressive collection of accolades, including 28 Golden Guitars and a Member of the Order of Australia designation in 1992 for his contributions to music.
Williamson’s music has frequently resonated with Australian culture, and his performances are a staple of the Tamworth Country Music Festival. His recent appearance at the Ashes Test in December, where he performed his iconic song ‘True Blue’, underscores his lasting impact on both music and national identity. He performed the song as a tribute to the victims of a recent terror attack in Bondi, demonstrating the emotional power of his work in times of crisis.
“I didn’t know for sure if it would do the job, because it was a big job for it to do,” Williamson shared, reflecting on the significance of the performance. After witnessing the emotional response from the crowd, he admitted, “I got emotional.”
Standing Against Division
Williamson has also been vocal about the use of his music in political contexts. In October, he publicly addressed the inappropriate use of ‘True Blue’ at an anti-immigration rally, stating, “True Blue is a song for all Australians and should not be hijacked by any group that seeks to use the song to sow division.” He advocates for a multicultural society, emphasizing unity among Australians.
Fans have expressed their support for Williamson’s stance, praising his commitment to the values embodied in his music. Comments on social media reflect a deep admiration for his courage to speak out against division, with one fan stating, “Absolutely love it when artists come out and make a stand about their material being used to promote division or hate.”
As Williamson prepares to step away from the touring life, his legacy as a beloved Australian artist remains firmly intact. With plans to continue writing and creating music, he is not entirely closing the door on his artistic journey. “We’ll see how I feel afterwards,” he remarked, hinting at the possibility of future endeavors.
John Williamson’s retirement marks the end of an era in Australian music, but his contributions will continue to resonate with fans for generations to come.
