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What a week of celebrations!
 With Colin Beer, Meg and the amazing Maggie Beer...  Well this is it . . . the actual week John celebrates 40 Years! This Friday, the 4th June, is 40 Years since the release of John's first single 'Old Man Emu'. John will be touring in South Australia, so The Barossa, Port Pirie, Renmark and Mount Gambier will all be sharing in the celebrations. We've been alluding to some big events and whilst we can't give you all the news just yet, we can assure you it is only a short time away before we announce all details. These include major shows in a capital city at an iconic venue as well as John venturing into the centre of Australia for a special intimate concert for his most loyal and dedicated fans in early September. Stay tuned and keep checking back.
The other exciting news is John has written some great new songs of late. Whilst you'll have to wait a while before you hear them on a new album, if you catch a live show you will be one of the first to hear them, so be sure to check out the TOUR DATES page and book your tickets to a venue near you.  Next week, we'll have some special messages from some of John's well known friends to share with you. From all of John's team, we're wishing him, and his emu, a very happy and special 40 YEAR birthday.
 John cooked up a storm as a celebrity guest on Channel 10's 'Ready Steady Cook' a couple of weeks ago before heading to the hills for a short break prior to starting touring again. The program will go to air later this year, so we'll keep you posted when we know the date! Latest from the Road!
  
And before the show last Saturday, John took part in Record Store Day Australia at JB HI-FI Toowoomba, meeting fans and signing copies of their new 40th year CDs and DVDs. The day was an initiative to encourage people to purchase the 'real thing' rather than illegally copying music, which of course denies the artists the royalties payable to them and which is a huge issue for the music industry.
Col Watson - Back On The Road Col Watson, a legend amongst guitarists, had his first gig with country music when he was hired by Slim Dusty in the early 1970s. After fifteen years off the road, Col agreed to tour again with John on the '40 Years True Blue' Tour. Col is seen here with his newly acquired Maton small bodied guitar. He says the BG808 has given him a new lease of life because it's so easy to play and has its own great character already. Thanks to Linda, Neville and Mark at Maton for giving Col such a great deal.   John's favourite stage guitar is also a Maton with rosewood back and sides and a Brazilian spruce top.
Col's is all Australian wood; Australian black wood with a spruce top. A Special Word from John... 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.
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."
A Wonderful Tribute A real highlight of the CMAA Awards night in late January was a special tribute paid to John for his significant contribution to the Australian country music industry. Narrated by 'big brother' John Laws, forty years of career highlights filled the stage screens. But more than this, the tribute recognised John's love of Australia and the many causes he has been passionate about and the impact he has made on so many Australians through his songs. We are delighted to announce that you are now able to view this video by clicking the play arrow below.
The 40th Anniversary Tribute was written and produced by Mark Jago.
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.
  Col Watson makes his debut on stage with John... ...finale to the Victorian tour 2010
That Was The Week That Was What a week it was for John at the Tamworth Country Music Festival! Nothing could surpass the surprise presentation by Her Excellency Ms Quentin Bryce AC, Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia and her moving speech in recognition of John's forty years in the industry, but it didn't stop there. 
For John it was almost as much of an honour to present his old mate, Chad Morgan, with a Gold Guitar for his lifetime contribution to the country music industry in Australia. After fifty-eight years in the business, this was Chad's first Gold Guitar (pictured left).
    John will be heading to WA for the Perth Muster in a couple of weeks followed by a short tour in regional Victoria. Bendigo has been sold out for several weeks now and the others are not far behind. So don't be disappointed and leave it too late to get your tickets if you're in the area of Shepparton, Warrnambool and Horsham. John has some wonderful new songs as well as the favourites that just have to be sung. * All zoo photos are included courtesy of Australia Zoo and remain their copyright.
Governor-General of Australia salutes John Williamson's 40th Year On Thursday 21st January 2010 John Williamson was honoured in Tamworth by the Governor-General Her Excellency Ms Quentin Bryce AC for his 40 years in the entertainment industry. In the midst of the annual country music festival, the Governor General presented John with a special glass-etched award for his milestone year congratulating him on his achievement.  The function, held in the country music capital, saw John Williamson first presented with a Gold Record for his sales of 2008 album release 'Hillbilly Road' from EMI Chief Executive Officer, Mark Poston. Concluding this, the Governor General proceeded to continue the recognition through the presentation of the etched plaque in front of family, friends, colleagues and media.During his introduction, Mark Poston said "Everyone at EMI is proud to be associated with John Williamson. EMI is a music company built on an incredible lineage - from The Beatles to The Beach Boys to Coldplay and Slim Dusty - and all that's in between. John Williamson stands alongside those iconic artists as one of Australia's finest. Congratulations from us all John for another Gold record with 'Hillbilly Road' and looking forward to a big year ahead for your 40th anniversary year in the business".  Williamson, who was unaware of the Governor General's intended presence at the function, was grateful and humbled by the double presentation. "From the Mallee to Croppa Creek and all around our country, I have been inspired by the land, characters and stories before me. 'Hillbilly Road' was a personal album, one that flowed so easily from me and to have my fans enjoy it as much as I did is such a reward. Here now, 40 Years in the industry and to be recognised so publicly is an honour. I am grateful to all who have supported, worked with or stood beside me, thank you," said John Williamson after the presentation.  Meg Doyle - John's partner, John & the Governor- General
On Saturday 23rd January, John Williamson attended and was honoured with a special tribute performance at the 38th Country Music Awards of Australia (Golden Guitars) in Tamworth. 
Vision Australia's
John had a wonderful and fulfilling time performing at the 2009 'Carols by Candlelight'. Although the weather was by no means perfect, it did not deter thousands of people from attending the event, which was held at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Melbourne last Christmas Eve and televised nationally on the Nine Network.
 What a Night, What a Fight!
Danny Green recently made the first successful defence of his IBO cruiserweight world title at Sydney's Acer Arena. The champion Australian boxer defeated the legendary American superstar Roy Jones Jr. when the fight was stopped two minutes into the first round. Prior to the contest, John was there to perform the national anthem and sing some of his best known songs to the capacity 20,000 crowd and the worldwide television audience. It was to be a night to remember.
Road Report (No.5)Entering the last stretch, we headed to northern NSW with a first stop at Twin Towns, Tweed Heads not far from John's 'Hillbilly Road' Springbrook retreat.  
After eighteen months, the final 'Hillbilly Road' Tour gig was scheduled for the Swan Yacht Club, Perth on 6th December. It has all been an exciting experience and we thank everyone for their enthusiastic support along the road of song.
 
Road Report (No.4)
With a rare day off in Sydney, there was just enough time to film John talking about his new role as a 'Friend of Australia' for Tourism Australia. Then it was off to the Variety Melbourne Cup Lunch where John also spent time upstairs with the special needs children at their own lunch party put on by the dedicated 'Ladies of Variety'.
Next the crew headed for Victoria for three sellout shows at Bairnsdale, Warrigal and Wonthaggi to appreciative audiences. Old friends from Quambatook came up to say g'day to John after the show at Wonthaggi, as well as some dedicated fans from Sydney. The Sydney couple had never been to Wonthaggi but love the song, so why not visit and hear John sing the song (much to the delight of the locals as well) in the town that inspired it!
After the shows, it was back to Melbourne to meet up with the Gosling brothers for some more filming for the documentary, 'Song of the Outback' (click on ARCHIVE link to learn much more about this project). Leaving the extreme heat of Melbourne, John and Meg, Andrew and Alexander Gosling drove to Quambatook. In Quamby it was a scorching 40 degrees! It was a perfectly timed trip to the Mallee to film John's childhood town and catch the district buzzing with wheat harvesting in full swing. John also caught up with his cousins who are still wheat farmers there. Over the next few weeks the crew will cover seven shows in Queensland and northern NSW and then on to Perth before winding up a fantastic year on the road with some time off over Christmas. (please click on the TOUR DATES link for all ticketing details) November is a big birthday month for the Fair dinkum Road Co with John, Paul (on lighting), Meg, and Bev (in the office) all Scorpios and having birthdays! Happy Birthday to all the Scorpios! In December keep an eye out for the new TV show on Channel 7 called 'No Leave! No Life'. December 5th is the one in which John surprises the dedicated nurse, Lauren, at the Prairie Hotel in Parachilna in the Flinders Ranges. And, on Christmas Eve, John will be singing at the televised 'Vision Australia's Carols by Candlelight' at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl in Melbourne. Channel 9 is the one to watch then.
Road Report (No.3)John and the crew covered more than 1600km on the road for the Wangaratta, Wagga Wagga and Griffith tour. It was a great weekend, with sellout shows for the first two nights and a slightly smaller but enthusiastic Griffith crowd, who gave up their Sunday afternoon TV viewing of the big Bathurst car race.
With a weekend off following the trip, John and Meg took a bit of time out for the Variety Bash reunion . . . a great chance to catch up with Bash mates and share a few more of those car stories. The Bashers always look forward to seeing the Bash video, which will be using John's new song 'I'm a Basher' as part of the music backing. John was so inspired by the Bash again this year that within two weeks of getting back, he had written the new song, been to Tamworth and recorded it. And like the kids helped by Variety, it's special!
Hillbilly Road Report (No.2)The second weekend of the tour was a particularly full one. After the first night in Taree, it was an early start to get to Port Macquarie by 10am to visit the Koala Hospital. It was a chance for John to re-visit the hospital and see the extensions to the John Williamson Wing, catch up with Max and Jean Starr, the founders of the hospital, plus the many volunteers who work there. They were very proud to show off the new Koala Rescue Ambulance, which came out of fundraiser, 'The Gumboot Ball' which John attended as special guest, two years ago. Media from the local newspaper and TV were there to interview John as well as an interview for a National Geographic story. We were lucky that the visit coincided with the birthday of their oldest koala, aptly named 'Birthday Girl'. She was given a feast of the very best selection of swamp mahogany and peppermint gum, while John had a chance for some great up-close-and personal photos.
Hillbilly Road Report (No.1)John will be visiting many parts of Australia over the coming months and we have decided to include a report from the road from time to time. This will enable John, Meg and the crew to share some of their experiences as they look back on some exciting times on the tour. Here is the first report: After a couple of month's break from touring, John and the crew hit the road again to continue the 'Hillbilly Road' Tour. It was obvious his fans missed him and his music as they came from far and wide to see him. At the first two shows at Cessnock and Belmont, apart from those who lived in the area, there were fans who had travelled from Scotland and even Barcelona in Spain!
Long time fans and the first to buy John's 40th year vest at Belmont.
Better Than A Picture' - Number One for Three Weeks! The John Williamson video 'Better Than A Picture' remained at the top on the Country Music Channel (CMC) chart for a remarkable three weeks in a row. This is the chart where the fans have their say, as all positions are based on many viewer requests. It is the fourth successful single lifted from his 'Hillbilly Road' gold record album - the previous ones were 'Cydi', 'Hillbilly Road' and 'Australia Is Another Word For Free'. You can click on the following link to see the music clip, which was filmed at John's Springbrook, Queensland retreat. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TFPTTCkEb4M Another Gold Record for John
We are proud to announce that John Williamson's 'Hillbilly Road' CD has achieved a Gold Award (A.R.I.A.). The album was released in August last year and features the hit singles 'Drink A Little Love', 'Hillbilly Road', 'Cydi', 'Australia Is Another Word For Free' and the current CMC Top 10 hit 'Better Than A Picture'. The result is a wonderful achievement for John who, in 2010, will be celebrating 40 years since the release of his debut single 'Old Man Emu'. Our thanks go to everyone who bought the CD. We hope that you continue to enjoy and recommend it to your friends
Sponsor John's True Blue Ute for the Variety Bash 2009 Keep those signatures coming in for Variety, folks. All you need to do is sign a postcard size piece of good quality paper with a thick black marker pen (family name or individual) and send it in to PO Box 399, Epping NSW 1710 along with a cheque for $100 made out to 'Variety the Children's Charity'. And your name will end up on the bonnet of my HQ Ute, which is currently being equipped for the NSW Variety Bash in August 2009. We need those signatures in before the end of July, so they can become a part of a huge decal. (Don't forget to give us a return address, so we can forward a receipt). So travel with us proudly on the bonnet of the best ute in Australia. Kind regards Johnno  Here's where your signature will go...  "Me with our Bash mate 'Mobile Workshop' official, John Haak, who's been building the ute for Meg and I" Song of the Outback John has just returned home after spending a couple of weeks filming the documentary Song of the Outback. Please refer to the following story for the general outline of the television special. But, in the meantime, we can report that John and his partner Meg had a wonderful (if sometimes very cold!) time visiting many remote Australian locations and meeting fascinating outback characters. Here are just some of the on-site photographs taken during filming:
Gum Leaf News - A Letter from John How y'goin' folks I'm just about to head off to Adelaide and then to the Flinders Ranges to start filming a documentary for the Gosling brothers. These two Englishmen will pitch 'Song of the Outback' to the BBC and American TV. It will include interesting black and white historical stories of the outback. We will head north from Wilpena Pound to Coober Pedy, Birdsville, Glen Helen, and Alice Springs. The producers have chosen my songs to link the doco together and include Coober Pedy, Lightning Ridge, Alice Springs, Sing You The Outback, Skinny Dingoes, Camel Boy, Old Man Emu, Galleries Of Pink Galahs, Thargomindah and This Ancient Land. I can't wait to get out there, as so much water has travelled down to Lake Ayre. I'm bound to write some new songs. 
Keep those signatures coming in for Variety, folks. All you need to do is sign a postcard size piece of good quality paper in a thick black marker pen (family name or individual) and send it in (to PO Box 399, Epping NSW 1710) along with a cheque for $100 made out to 'Variety the Children's Charity' and your name will end up on the bonnet of my HQ ute which is currently being equipped for the NSW Variety Bash in August. We need those signatures in before the end of July so they can all become a part of a huge decal. (Don't forget to give us a return address so we can forward a receipt.) This year will be harder on special needs kids that ever because of the economic downturn, so travel with us proudly on the bonnet of the best ute in Australia. Wait till you see it on the website (and in Tamworth in 2010).
Just a reminder too, folks. Meg and I are auctioning on eBay another 'Dinner, bed and breakfast' for one night for a couple at our mountain hideaway in the QLD hinterland for any night between June 25 to July 31, 2009 but excluding July 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13. It's for Variety as well. If you check the following story you will read how much fun Alan and Lyn had last year. They reckon they will bid again. They are a great couple! The bidding will run from 11th June 2009 on eBay.Kind regards Johnno Better Than A Picture - A Real Life Weekend With John Williamson Join John for a 'Hillbilly Road' getaway weekend with all proceeds going to Variety, the children's charity. Share a priceless experience with Australian music legend John Williamson and his partner, Meg, at John's private Springbrook retreat, including a night's accommodation, meals, fireside songs and great conversation. This once in a lifetime offer includes:
John has offered this unique opportunity to the highest bidder donating to Variety, the children's charity. Variety is dedicated to inspiring hope and enriching the lives of sick, disadvantaged and special needs children across Australia.
Terms and Conditions. By bidding for this item, you agree to the following terms and conditions.
A Letter from John on Variety Bash 2009 Dear Variety Supporter, I'm very grateful for your support for the idea of my fans supporting Variety and signing the new Bash ute. After talking to the sign writers, they have suggested the best way to do this is for you to simply write your signature on a plain white, good quality piece of paper, a standard postcard size, in a good thick black felt-tipped pen. All the signatures will be scanned and then organised on special sign writing decal to cover the bonnet of the ute. So please send your signature, along with a cheque made out to Variety the Children's Charity to my office at PO Box 399, Epping, NSW 1710. It's very important that you include your name and address, so that a receipt can be posted to you as your $100 donation is a tax deduction for you. Thanks again for you enthusiastic response to the idea. I feel great about my True Blue fans showing their support for Variety all over our ute. Kind regards John Variety Bash August 2009 John has a great idea for this year's Variety Bash: "I am currently preparing an HQ Holden ute for this year's Variety Bash in August. I've owned a lot of utes over the years, so it suits my image more than Meg's Humber! (although she's sad to see the old Humber go). It will celebrate my 40th year in showbiz ('Old Man Emu' was born on 4th June, 1970) and I'd love you all to be a part of it. So I've come up with this idea. 
Rather than go looking for sponsors for our Bash ute, it occurred to me that there are a lot of True Blues out there who would like to help. So I'm inviting you all to sign the ute for a $100 donation for the special needs kids of Variety. How? I'll send you a special blank sticker, you sign it or write a message on it, send it back with your donation and I'll stick it on the vehicle. (Because it is a donation to Variety, you'll be sent a receipt so you can claim it on your tax.)Although I am no 'bush hoon', the ute will certainly look the part. It will have the biggest bull bar you've ever seen and be the envy of my country mates. It will be registered 'Dinkum' which is what you are if you have your name on it. Let us know however you like; email, phone call, bush telegraph, mail . . . I'll send you the sticker to sign or put your family name on it, or whatever. I don't really mind what you put on it as long as it is returned with your $100 donation. I hope you respond to this idea. I'd rather have my mates' names on the car than a heap of corporate sponsors. What do y'reckon?" JW PS: By the way, I have a new fan mail address. It is 
John Williamson's Number One Single! The multi-award winning single from the 'Hillbilly Road' CD, 'Australia Is Another Word for Free' achieved yet another very welcome milestone. We are proud to announce that John Williamson's current single rose to No.1 on the CMC (Country Music Channel) chart in March/April 2009. John is thrilled and thanks all his many fans for their support of 'Australia Is Another Word For Free' which was recorded with his close friends Warren H. Williams and Amos Morris. Check out the entire video below...
The Story of True Blue First published in 1981, John Williamson's iconic ballad 'True Blue' is set to provide the perfect backdrop for a new arena spectacular at the 2009 Sydney Royal Easter Show in April. 'The Story of True Blue' will be the centrepiece of this year's Show.  It is a tale of courage, mateship and adventure, told through the travels of an Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog called Bluey. 'The Story of True Blue' will show nightly in the NAB Arena from 7:30pm. And for the first three nights (9th, 10th & 11th April), John Williamson will appear live to sing 'True Blue' together with other crowd favourites at the close of the production. It promises to be a fantastic experience for all.
The Victorian Bushfire Appeal John Williamson was honoured to join several famous performers including Lee Kernaghan, Angry Anderson and Colin Hay (Men At Work) for the Victorian Bushfire Appeal Concert at the Walker Reserve, Whittlesea on Thursday 12th February. The show was part of the Australia Unites telethon broadcast by the Nine Network that raised more than 21 million dollars for victims of Australia's worst natural disaster. Golden Guitars Galore! John Williamson won his 24th Golden Guitar at the 37th Country Music Awards of Australia held in Tamworth during the Australia Day weekend. His composition, 'Australia Is Another Word For Free', was awarded Bush Ballad of the Year. It is the third time John has won this particular category.  Awards Night photos courtesy of CMAA and John Elliott And to celebrate such a milestone event, a fourth single from his Hillbilly Road album was issued on Australia Day. 'Australia Is Another Word For Free' explores John's love for this land through the eyes of a truckie, a bushie and a West Aranda man and features vocal collaboration with Warren H Williams and Amos Morris. The song is set to continue the album's success of the past few months.
 "Sometimes I think many of us take for granted how lucky we are in Australia. We can drive for days and the only time we'll be stopped is at a fruit fly gate. We are able to voice an opinion without fear of retribution. And in my opinion, 'Australia is another word for free" Australia Is Another Word For Free won the National Award for Bush Ballad of the Year at the Victorian and National Country Music Awards on Friday 6th February 2009. As an exclusive for all visitors to this site, we are pleased to feature an excerpt from 'Australia Is Another Word For Free'. Please press the play button below to listen to a free audio sample.
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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. 
"Meg and I are passionate about helping Aussie kids, so we're doing this again to raise much needed funds for the special needs kids Variety supports. I'm looking forward to singing around the fire after cooking up a storm on the camp stove for you, so please bid up big and remember, every cent goes to the kids", John said.
No doubt John and Meg will regale you with stories of their participation in the annual Variety Bash, including the upcoming 25th anniversary Benelong to Broken Hill bash leaving the Sydney Opera House forecourt on August 16th.
Springbrook is an idyllic location and to quote one of John's songs from the 'Hillbilly Road' album "...don't expect too much, it's humble but it's warm, you won't find it in a 'home' magazine but ten million dollars wouldn't buy the peace or the best valley view you've ever seen".
John Williamson will present a concert on Saturday 4th April 2009 at Revesby Workers Club, Sydney with proceeds going directly to the Country Music Association of Australia (CMAA).
And a Good Night Was Had By All !
Hot Off the Press
News from the Tour
The 38th album for Williamson delivered a positive start with 'Hillbilly Road' debuting on the national A.R.I.A. Charts at number 17. The second week saw a massive jump to number 10 and now, in its third week of release sits comfortably in the number 6 spot.
ANZAC Day 2008
