The Countdown Begins...
'ABSOLUTE GREATEST JOHN WILLIAMSON: 40 YEARS TRUE BLUE' will be released nationally on Friday 19th March 2010. From this date and for a limited time only, John's fans will be able to purchase an autographed copy of the double CD pack or the DVD (with 22 of John's video clips) from this website. As the release of his 40 year tribute album and 'Absolute Greatest' draws near, John writes:

June 4th, 1970 - "The first song I ever attempted to write was released on the Fable label. It was 'Old Man Emu'. I was out the back of the homestead in North West NSW when I first heard the recording. 2VM Moree received the single before I did. I had the radio on a fence post when I got the thrill of my life. I sounded older than I imagined, but an amazing experience the first time. That month I picked up radio stations all over the place at night. I was blown away. The song was screaming to the top of the charts (up there with The Beatles!). No.1 for 5 weeks and I was still at home farming wheat. All I'd done was win 'New Faces' and then record the song (one of the prizes was a recording contract). So, of course, I headed back to Melbourne to record an album of originals which were all pretty dreadful. The first LP sold 2000 copies, so I was a 'one hit wonder' for about 10 years. In the meantime, I moved to Sydney where the clubs were more suitable to my folk style performance than the 'rock' venues of Melbourne.

It took me those 10 years to begin to understand who I was and what to write about. Phil Matthews came into my life about that stage with lots of encouragement about my songwriting and I finally got back to being really Australian, that is, myself: writing about the things that inspire me. To put it briefly, songs about the truly unique character of our ancient country and how its vast variety of atmospheres mould the quintessential Aussie. Add to that my personal life and concerns and you have it. It's loosely called 'Country Music' but it's really 'music of our country' to separate it from the standard American genre.

I've always felt that we should have taken Banjo Paterson's lead ('Waltzing Matilda') and created our own folk/country style. The trouble was and still is that Aussie success is so often gauged by our popularity in America. But I have never cared about that. I wanted to create something for the next generations of Aussie kids to grab hold of. It's music about Aussies for Aussies. And you know, after 40 years of being on the road those kids are starting to understand what I'm about and it makes them proud. That means more to me than any world fame ever could. I want them to be as proud of me and my songs, as American kids are of Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash and Bob Dylan. In other words, be proud of who they are: Aussies. How lucky we all are to live here.

Now I hear other young Aussie artists with their own accents and I know I have been on the right track. And the track has become a road; it's just the beginning.

It is fascinating to hear interpretations of my songs by others and I am very proud that my friends in the business have paid tribute. I am truly thankful."

John Williamson

NB: John has written a new anthem especially for his forthcoming 2CD set. 'Island of Oceans' highlights the combined talents of John Williamson and Shannon Noll and is also available as a digital download single.

In the last few weeks, the '40 Years True Blue' Tour has journeyed to Perth and several Victorian country towns. Almost everywhere it was a sellout and John enjoyed meeting and entertaining many of his most loyal fans. There are many more shows planned for 2010 and we invite you to check our TOUR DATES link for all booking details.

Please note: The Cunnamulla, Charleville and Roma gigs scheduled for this month have been postponed due to the serious flooding of these towns. We hope to advise new dates soon.

Col Watson makes his debut on stage with John...                            ...finale to the Victorian tour 2010

The 40th Anniversary Tribute was written and produced by Mark Jago.
Special thanks to John Laws, Ray Farley and Phil Matthews...

John has been asked to headline the first ever Oz Country Music Festival in Fiji. Being held in August 2010 on the beautiful Coral Coast of Fiji, John will be joined by other artists including Felicity Urquhart, Glenn Hannah, Jonahs Road, Bill Chambers & The Ashleigh Dallas Band.

"We are very excited to have John Williamson as the headline act and can't wait to join him in Fiji for this exciting event" said Chris Watson event organiser.

From $2,299 per person you can come along to this amazing event. The price includes: return airfares from Sydney, seven nights accommodation, transfers, all meals, all country music festival concerts and some exciting surprises.

This is a first for Fiji and numbers are strictly limited. Bookings are exclusive through Country Music Holidays (Travelworld Tamworth) and are already filling fast. For more details, call 1300 799 987 or e-mail