SOME musicians have an on-stage and an off-stage persona but when it comes to country music legend John Williamson, what is seen on stage, is how he is in reality.
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With an impressive career spanning more than 40 years, Williamson released his 50th album, Honest People, along with his autobiography Hey True Blue, earlier this year.
Together the pair almost serve as proof he is still a humble ex-farmer despite being at the forefront of some of Australia’s most significant events including Steve Irwin’s memorial and the 2000 Sydney Olympics.
Even when asked about the achievement of reaching 50 albums, Williamson continues to play it down.
“I got to be honest; it’s not 50 original albums – a lot of them were compilations and covers,” he said.
“But it would be well into the mid-30s of original works.
“I guess it is a bit of a milestone really, but I don’t keep track.”
As Australian as it comes, the country singer said he will never lose content to sing about.
As long as Williamson is able to get out on the road, he will be able to write in the song style which made him famous.
“There are songs everywhere,” he said.
“In a way it’s 100 per cent Australian music.
“Sure the [songs’] subjects are about a character in the bush but I always want to have that landscape background.
“I just get in the car and drive if I want to write a new song.
“I take out on the road and go to a local pub or a cattle station; there’s material everywhere.”
“Boomerang Café – one of my albums – was all about a trip out ‘west’.
“People now come up to me and say they took that trip because of that album.”
While Williamson jokes it was drought and frost which first started him on his journey from wheat farmer to country singer, music was always in his blood.
His family incorporated music into their everyday life, with his dad teaching Williamson the guitar at a young age.
But it wasn’t until he was a teenager Williamson started writing songs and then it was 16 years before he had a hit album.
Now in preparation for his 45th year in the industry, the 68-year-old is heading out on the road on tour doing what he loves.
“I’m having a lot of fun,” Williamson said.
“I don’t have to prove myself any more and I can just have a great time up on stage.”
Williamson will be at the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre on October 17.
For more information go to manpac.com.au or call 9550 3900.