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Few voices have captured the essence of Australia quite like John Williamson. With his distinctive sound and storytelling prowess, he's spent 55 years painting musical portraits of our sunburnt country. Now, as he approaches his 80th birthday, the man behind "True Blue" and "Old Man Emu" is making one final journey across the nation.

"Everything I'm doing from now on is the last time I'm going to be there," Williamson confides with characteristic frankness. Though careful not to use the word "retirement" (joking that he "can't do a Farnham and keep coming back"), his current "My Travellin' Days Are Done" tour marks the end of an extraordinary touring chapter that began in 1969 when a young farmer won a talent quest with a quirky song about emus.

Our conversation weaves through the rich tapestry of his life – from growing up as one of five sons in Victoria's Mallee district where his father played banjo in the local band, to his seven years working the land before music became his full-time passion. "The farm was plan A. The music was plan B," he reveals with a chuckle. This agricultural background infuses authenticity into every song, creating an unbreakable bond with audiences who've purchased over five million of his albums.

Despite amassing 28 Golden Guitar trophies and three ARIA awards, Williamson remains refreshingly humble, finding more satisfaction in "the sale of CDs and streaming... because it means the general public are approving of my songs" than industry accolades. Even more meaningful? "People crying in the front row of the show."

Though his touring days may soon conclude, Williamson's creative spirit remains vibrant. His newest single "Born with a Ukulele in My Hand" was inspired by annual trips to Fiji, and he has collaborated with his daughter Ami on beautiful duets. He hints at continuing his annual "Shed Show" at his Queensland property and possibly recording new music, ensuring this national treasure's voice won't fall silent.

Don't miss your final opportunity to experience John Williamson live as he completes his farewell tour through February 2026, including appearances at the Deni Ute Muster and Tamworth Country Music Festival. After 55 remarkable years, these performances promise to be profoundly special celebrations of Australian music's true blue legend.

What has John Williamson been up to lately? Let's find out!

Get out when you can, support local music and I'll see you down the front!!

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