We can finally reveal all! To celebrate my 40th Year in the business, on October 29th and 30th 2010 I'll be performing at the Sydney Opera House accompanied by the Sydney Symphony Orchestra.

I'll be performing my songs as you’ve never heard them before, with the full backing of one of the greatest orchestras in the world! You might even see a special guest join me for a song on the night!

This is for two shows only, so be sure to book early as subscribers to both the Opera House and the Sydney Symphony mailing lists will also have priority advance notice of these shows.

But the news doesn't stop there!

If you can't make it to the big smoke in October, how about the centre of Australia in September? After announcing in the last newsletter, the a special one-night only, limited number show at Ooraminna Homestead on the 5th September, tickets were snapped up and it has sold out. I'm really looking forward to the show and sharing the night with those who got in quick. It's sure to be a night to remember for us all.

But don't despair...another show is now on the cards! On Saturday 4th September 2010, I'll be performing at The Memo Club in Alice Springs.

All tickets are general admission and we recommend you bring along a rug or chair to camp on for the show. This one will only cost you $40.00!

We're hoping this show will be just as popular so be sure you get in early and book your tickets. Tickets are available to purchase now.

To book your tickets over the phone call the club on 08 8952 2166. Bookings will require a credit card for payment.

Alternatively, you can book over the counter at the club located at 127 Todd St, Alice Springs.

Also, keep your eyes out for a new merchandise range celebrating my 40 Years at SANITY stores. There is a stack of new stuff including stubby coolers (I'm always getting requests for those), t-shirts, mugs and glasses. They'll be in store in August.

See you along the road of song

Johnno

At last I can announce a special event to celebrate my forty years as a recording artist. If you have always liked the idea to really share the billy with me around the campfire in the outback; this is for you on September 5th this year. I will be at Ooraminna Station south of Alice Springs.

Sunset at Ooraminna Homestead...come share it with John

Fifty people will be treated like family. I will sing plenty of songs and make sure you get plenty of good tucker. The ancient setting will blow you away. 'Ooraminna' is my favourite outback place, owned by my dear friends Billy and Jan Hayes.

John around his stock camp at picturesque Ooraminna Homestead

The fifty people, who I am looking forward to meeting and sharing this personal experience with, will also be able to come to my open-air concert in Alice Springs the night before at no further cost. But under the stars at Ooraminna is what you will remember.

A bus will be provided to take you to and from Alice. What a magic night it will be.

Hope you can make it.

Johnno

No. 45 May Edition 2010

Gum Leaf Notes No. 118 How you goin' folks So much has happened since I last wrote. Sorry . . . I have been preoccupied with getting things back on track. I guess the first event that comes to mind was the surprise of having the Governor General Her Excellency Ms Quentin Bryce present me with a magnificent framed acknowledgement of 40 years in the business. Photo by Southern Cross Photographics She is a truly lovely lady and as it turns out is quite a fan. Fancy that! Soon after, Her Excellency had me singing to diplomats from all over the planet out at Dick Smith's magnificent property near Canberra. Speaking of Dick, you may have heard him speak about population growth. He's very worried about how bad it would be for all Aussies and our native flora and fauna if the projected growth rate is not pulled back. I've written a song called 'Better Get on a Spaceship' hoping he can use it in a doco he is financing on the subject. Tamworth was a thrill for me this year especially having the honour of presenting Chad Morgan with his only Gold Guitar. The audience went wild. I'm not touring flat out at the moment because we are working on something really special. Keep your ears to the ground. We should be announcing it at the end of this month. Image by Southern Cross Photographics In April, performing with 400 locals over three nights at Toowoomba's 150th anniversary agricultural show was very satisfying. My own show just before that in March was basically flooded out in Queensland. But I'll be getting back there in July. It gave me a new song called 'Look Out Cunnamulla'. I'm still writing heaps, folks. And of course, about six weeks ago we had the release of my 'Absolute Greatest John Williamson: 40 Years True Blue' double CD and a DVD of the same name. Thanks for your great support for this folks. We sold out of stock on the QLD tour, and at Toowoomba, and had to frantically 'borrow' stock from the big local music stores then get it replaced for them! Some very special artists put up their hands to be on the Tribute album which is part of the two CD pack. I'm reluctant to say which one I prefer. However we all agreed Wendy Matthews version of 'Flower on the Water' deserved to be track number one. James Reyne does a great version of 'Chandelier of Stars'. Shannon Noll was keen to record 'Galleries of Pink Galahs' because it was his late father's favourite and also played at Shannon's wedding. I have to say my daughter Ami's version of 'Truckie's Wife' brings me to tears. Tommy Emmanuel's 'Old Man Emu finishes the tribute album with a fabulous display of just how versatile he is on guitar. He's a close mate and toured with me years ago. Then of course, there's the other CD with twenty-two of my best songs, although narrowing it down to that was hard. There were so many others that people wanted to include. In the coming months there'll be a heap of new merchandise around also, to celebrate the 40 years. I wouldn't be still doing it if it wasn't for you folks, so thanks again. See you along the road of song. Johnno Fearless the Dreamer . . . watch this space   Meet the Team (part one) Meet John's Team John is a powerhouse in himself. That said, pulling together his albums, recordings, promotion, merchandise, shows and even the behind the scenes account, schedules and finances takes a lot of work. Until we can replicate another eight JWs, let's meet some of the team that help the OLD MAN EMU pull it all together: David Woodward - the 6'5 giant works across all of John's professional affairs. From touring to albums through to deals to be done, David is John's manager but freely admits 'John doesn't need a manager; having experienced 40 years in the job he knows the business and industry better than any', and therefore works behind the scenes to ensure that John is able to focus on writing the songs which continue to motivate, inspire and reinforce our way of life and love of country. Having worked on the Tamworth Country Music Festival, the Country Music Awards of Australia and the ARIA awards, all for several years, as well as with many other artists, David has now taken on the full-time role with John. In the past, David has worked with TV artists, rock, pop and country musicians doing media and PR but had never felt inspired to work with just one artist more than John. David is a firm believer that you must have a true passion for the artist, their music and their beliefs to really be involved - for David, this is John. To contact David call: 0413748146 or email Meg Doyle - Meg brings her professional organisational and project delivery experience to the team. A celebrated and sought after children's book publisher, Meg manages John's day-to-day activities, consults on ongoing business activities and thankfully reviews any material released prior to you seeing it! From travelling with John, setting up and selling his merchandise, meeting and greeting all his fans, Meg is at the forefront of John's brand and is often the first person you'll meet on John's tours! Meg is charged with the duty of schedules, touring itineraries and John's many other commitments. Meg is also an ongoing inspiration for John. From 'Dark Irish Eyes' through to 'Hillbilly Road', Meg is an integral part of the John Williamson team. To contact Meg call: 02 98683888 or email Brian Walton - sell, sell and sell . . . Brian is the merchandise king behind John Williamson. Brian has been with the team for many years and is part of the family. When you order the latest JW album, DVD, poster, shirt or anything else, then Brian is the one who will have made it happen. Brian has established himself as the king of product and knows what is and what isn't in stock better than anyone else. When you order, Brian is the one chasing John for that personalised signature or special greeting. From Small through to Extra large, Brian will have you covered! To contact Brian call 02 9868 3888 or email: Bev Walton - penny queen extraordinary! Bev has been our master of accounts, finance and all things in detail for the past twenty years. When Bev walks in, we all stand to attention . . . including Johnno. The admin goddess and superior mistress of finance is forever being praised for her ability to pay us all on time as well as keep the detailed tour and album books in line. Bev is the longest serving member of the John Williamson TRUE BLUE family. She knows everything! In the next newsletter you'll meet the rest of the team . . . the 'on tour' crew and those behind the scenes. John with one of the 'special kids' at a recent Variety function

No.44 December Edition 2009

A Christmas Greeting drawn by John... Gum Leaf Notes No. 116 How you goin' folks The Bash was a huge amount of fun. In the Holden ute it was for me like going back to my first days out of school on the land. I love driving on dirt tracks through the Mallee, the Flinders Ranges and up the Birdsville etc. Meg's a good driver so between us we had a ball. We lost a muffler for a while (everything gets picked up by other Bashers) but we decided to do without it rather than admit that we didn't notice! They'll make y'pay. This year the amount raised by Variety Bashes all round Australia totalled $100 million since Dick Smith started it. What a great way to help special kids, eh? Looking forward to some time off with my mates at Springbrook Still writing new songs that are good enough to find their way into the live show. Keep an ear out for my new anthem 'Island of Oceans'. Shannon Noll was keen to record it with me. He's a great young country fella. I also recorded 'King of the Road' with Adam Harvey for his duo album. You might be surprised I recorded an American song. However, I did it for Adam and I sang it with my normal accent. After all, Roger Miller has always been a favourite of mine. I like his sense of humour, and actually spent a few hours with him and Lawsy right back in 1970. Roger's 'Dang Me' had a small influence on my first song 'Old Man Emu'. A couple of tours before Christmas and I enjoyed it. We have almost enough artists ready to record some songs of mine to celebrate 40 years since 'The Emu' next year. More of that soon. See you along the road of song and take care over Christmas. Johnno Some time out with an old friend in the mountains

Issue 43 - August Edition 2009 Gum Leaf Notes No. 115 How you goin' folks Haven't written since the documentary through the heart of Australia. It's called 'Song of the Outback'. It won't be on the TV probably until next year and at this stage we don't know what channel. However it was really enjoyable working with really professional doco makers. Andrew Gosling, the director, is back in London putting it all together for probably an hour's program. John and Director Andrew Gosling at Albert Namatjira's home. Johnno on top of Kings Canyon As you can imagine the scenery filmed was spectacular. We went from the Flinders Ranges through the centre via Marree, Birdsville, Coober Pedy, Alice, Kings Canyon and Hermannsburg. Filming on Warren's country near Hermannsburg I interviewed many characters who know these areas better than we do. For instance, Shane Oldfield (Clayton Station), descendants of the camel drivers, opal miners, Indigenous elders, Warren H Williams etc. Along the way I was filmed singing around the campfire and at pubs. The performances were virtually only announced on the day so it was a nice surprise for the locals and tourists who happened to be around. I wrote a new ballad called 'Marree Girl' and am enjoying performing the song in the show already. Johnno on the Diamantina River just outside Birdsville In July . . . July is probably the worst month for Barramundi fishing. However, it didn't stop Sara Storer inviting me to go fishing with her Territory mates, Tom and Jimmy, up the Daly River after the Darwin Muster. As usual for me, the 'Barras' weren't biting. All I got was snags and we lost many expensive lures on logs. Sara's brother, Greg, did eventually catch one and we ate it that night, but the stories kept coming about how many fish they caught last time. I looked at the big old crocodiles (salties) happily sleeping on the mud and envied them. I've heard it all before. Last time it was up Cape York. The time before it was on the Ord River. Always 'the wrong time'. Always someone else catches them. When my woman catches one, of course, I never hear the end of it. This is the Barra I didn't catch... Anyway, the song came to me so quickly I thought, 'Why not record it straight away while it's still winter.' It'll stir up the Territory fisherman and all the other 'Bullspinners' out there. Johnno recording Barra in July And a bit on the Bash . . . Next Sunday (16th) Meg and I head off on the NSW Variety Bash. This year is a celebration of twenty five years of Bashing in Australia. We leave from the Opera House, Bennelong Point; the same starting point for the first Bash organised by Dick Smith. Over the eleven days we'll have overnight stops in Parkes, Hay, Berri (driving through Mallee country), Woomera, up to Coober Pedy, followed by a long day to Alice. Well, it'll be a long day of driving for Meg, but because I'm involved in the Legends of Australian Music Concert in Alice that night (Friday 21st) so the Bash will fly me there to get ready for the show. Meg will have to get another Basher to help her with the driving and navigating. I know she'll be fine. Bashers are great people and if she breaks down, at least twenty cars will stop to help her! After eleven Bashes, she knows just about everyone. This year is a National Bash so after a rest day in Alice we meet up with Bashers from every state for a presentation dinner. It's rumoured that my old mates Dick Smith and John Singleton will be there for the dinner. The following day we head back to Coober Pedy again, then to Hawker (via Marree for lunch, where I wrote 'Marree Girl!). We leave the Flinders Ranges to head for our final destination of Broken Hill. I'm sure our new Holden ute will get us there without a single breakdown this year. Johnno designed the kangaroo logo on the roof I'll be taking the ute and having a chat to Kerri-Anne Kennerley on Channel 9 this Tuesday morning (11th Aug) if you get a chance to watch. Thanks to all of you who donated to have your signature on the car. We've had great support from sponsors, too, so thanks to Outback Jacks, MightyMite, Old Man Emu suspension (ARB) and Adelaide Caravan Park. In September I start touring again right through to late November, so I hope to see you along the road of song somewhere around this great country of ours. Johnno   Issue 42 - May Edition 2009 Gum Leaf Notes No. 111 How you goin' folks Sorry I haven't written for a while. It seems I'm not supposed to slow down just yet. I'm not complaining. The nice things that people say to me through emails and at the shows makes my career a joy. To inspire people to be proud of themselves and help them to be happy with their lives is the best reward. Not that I don't appreciate another Gold Guitar. And having Meg alongside the whole way makes life a holiday for me. So things are cruising at the moment in spite of the 'down-turn'. Speaking of Meg; the 'Hillbilly Road' Humber we drove in the Variety Bash last year is up for sale. The fuel line problem has been fixed and it's a really solid vehicle. If you're interested, you can check it out on eBay now. Please see the following story for a full description of the car. I am currently preparing an HQ Holden ute for this year's 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 4thJune, 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? See you along the road of song PS And speaking of emails . . . we had some server problems recently so if you sent me an email in the last couple of weeks and I haven't replied, please send it again. It might have been 'lost in cyberspace'. I have a new fan mail address, too. It is   'Hillbilly Road' Humber Super Snipe Now on eBay The 'Hillbilly Road' Humber Super Snipe is up for grabs. Set up for the Variety Bash, this 1965 Humber is a classic car. The car was driven by John in the 2008 Variety Bash and used to promote John's latest album 'Hillbilly Road'. The car is automatic and registered until May 31st 2009. It has all the usual features of a Bash car and has been meticulously maintained by specialised Bash mechanics over its Bash life years with no expense spared to make it a solid Bash vehicle. It has 4 new tyres, front bucket seats (more comfortable than most modern day vehicles) with a centre console for storage, two fuel tanks, a third seat and refrigerator in the back, UHF radio, trip meter, bull bar, custom built roof rack and a sound system with internal and external speakers that was only installed in 2008. Part of the proceeds from the sale will be donated back to Variety. If you're interested in bidding for this special car, you can find it on eBay now.   Save Steve's Place When I was at Australia's Zoo performing on Australia Day I was rapt when Terri Irwin asked me to be one of the first people to sign the petition to Save Steve's Place and protect the Palm Cockatoo. Steve Irwin Wildlife Reserve, on Cape York Peninsula is being threatened by strip mining. If you get the chance, pop over to www.savestevesplace.com and sign the petition to protect Australian Wildlife - like the Palm Cockatoo and learn more about the cause too. Meet our Mate Paul Kirk - Lighting Engineer What exactly is a lighting engineer? I create the look, design, rig and operate the lighting, working with robotic lighting, colour, subtle movement to create a campfire scene for John. What is your favourite song in John's live show and why? The Joy Is In The Journey. It's an inspirational song, the philosophies on life in the song I can relate to. While the destination is the motivator, it's the journey along the way that has the value. You would have travelled around Australia with John and other artists, what is your favourite location on tour? I love going to Queensland, there are many beautiful old theatres around. My favourite venue is the Royal Theatre in Hobart and my favourite gig is the Gympie Muster.   Issue 41 - December Edition 2008 A Christmas Greeting drawn by John...   Meet our Mate Dermot Hoy - Online Coordinator, Fair dinkum Road Company 1. What exactly does John's Online Coordinator do? I write all the stories that are published on John's website and select all the pictures to accompany them. My endeavour is to make the site interesting and informative for all his fans and especially for first-time visitors. Any feedback is always welcome. I also oversee John's official MySpace site. 2. It seems appropriate that you are working with a technology which is changing the face of the music industry. I believe you were on the cutting edge of radio broadcasting in your earlier career? Tell us a bit about that. My first job was at 2GB Sydney and later I moved to 2CH where I met Phil Matthews, now John's long-time manager and my lifelong friend. In the 1960's, I was one of the first disc jockeys (as Bryan Vaughan) on the famous 'pirate' radio station Radio Caroline. This was the first time commercial radio was broadcast in the UK and was a revelation and an innovation to the British public. The music industry has changed considerably in my time (singles, LPs, cassettes, CDs and now downloads). The internet is ever evolving and I am enjoying the challenge of trying to keep up with it all! 3. What is your favourite part of your online work? I first met John back in 1970 when I was A & R Manager for PolyGram. It was the time of his first massive hit 'Old Man Emu'. Over the years we have remained in touch as his career has blossomed and I have always thought that John has a truly unique ability to capture the essence of Australia. It is a privilege to play a small part in promoting his singer/songwriter talents to an ever-increasing public.   From the Roadside Mail Box Dear John, I'd like to share our fan story with you. Hopefully it will make you smile. We moved to Australia from the United States in 2003 and lived on a 30acre bush block in Tasmania while my husband completed a PhD in mining at the University in Hobart. We tended sheep and bees, pumped water from the creek, gathered and chopped our own firewood - a far cry I'm sure from real Outback living, but hitherto fore my life's best version of 'living on the land' - and it was fantastic! We adored our new Aussie friends, the children thrived in the bush learning tree names and chasing wallabies, and we dreamed of someday being invited by this grand country to call it home. It was in those years, on a road trip around Tassie, that we came across your music at a National Park Visitor Center shop. Your lyrics right away pulled at our heart strings - especially 'True Blue' (as we attempt to transform as best we can our Yankness into Blueness), 'Shelter' (as we feel we've just come home), 'Cootamundra Wattle' (we could be that couple) and 'Galleries of Pink Galahs' (made our experience in Tassie feel archetypal), all of them really. We began to cherish this album, setting new world records for the number of times to replay a song without killing it, and have even felt afraid to purchase a different album for fear it could never match the extreme sentiment that pours out, often in tears, every time we treat ourselves to The Glory of Australia. My 8-year-old and even 3-year-old know all the songs by heart and sing along, whistle the tunes to chores, and sing themselves to sleep sometimes with one of your songs. Eventually, the lure of adventure and wealth was too much to bear for my husband, an exploration mining geologist, and we joined the masses in WA milking the resource boom. My husband sets a phenomenal overseas travel schedule and spends his rare in-town time in the office writing reports and organizing the next excursion- such is the nature of the job. At 'home' in the suburbs, I do my best to keep the children connected with Mother Earth. We are renting a house on a postage stamp size lot sandwiched between busy city streets. We plant veggies in between all the flowers in the manicured garden beds, admire the lorikeets that nibble at the mangoes, and we even got permission to keep chooks in the backyard. For my birthday last year, my husband bought me a compost bin, one of those enormous human-size bins that you spin on the axis of a metal frame to aerate the mixture of kitchen scraps and lawn clippings. In this new life, listening to the same cherished album, I hear your song 'The Woman on the Land' with deep nostalgia for my former rural life, yet with surprising familiarity of sentiment in my new urban setting. In spite of the hustle and bustle of the city around me, I feel deeply lonely in my efforts to hold the family on my own, as I reckon is true for so many mining families. Alone for days and often weeks on end, the mining mother is 'raising those children on her own' 'the kids are finally tucked away, her days are never slack' and it is ever my esteemed aspiration to 'greet him with a smile' after so much time away. The song is heart-wrenching and inspirational at the same time. Anyway, on one of my husband's cherished weekends at home recently, we were sitting around after our pancake breakfast (whose preparation is always accompanied by Glory of Australia), feeling wistful and woeful about missing our old bush life. I was lamenting how unhealthy and unsustainable our current life seems compared to before, and my husband, feeling the same, only felt guilty and trapped by our current circumstances. We vowed to persist at our dream of returning to a rural life, dressed in green and gold. Taking a breather, my husband gathered up the kitchen scraps to take out to the compost bin, and after dumping them in and replacing the lid, attempted to tumble the bin a few times about its axis to mix the contents. But the bin had become so heavy and lopsided that it became a mammoth effort as he lunged his whole body into turning the bin, cursing the contraption and covering himself with rotting compost juice leaking out the aeration holes. I seized the opportunity to stick my head out the window and belt out ... 'while her man does his battles on the land!!!!' We're so thrilled to have tickets to your concert in Perth in October, and have kept it as a surprise for our 8-year-old son. We of course hope to hear at least one familiar song off our favorite album, but also plan on being inspired to purchase a new one! With fondest regards and eager anticipation, Alicia Braxton and family   HILLBILLY ROAD NUMBER CRUNCH FOR AUGUST 2008 #1 COUNTRY ALBUM #6 ALBUM ON THE ARIA CHART #2 ALBUM LEADING EDGE CHARTS #2 ALBUM KMART CHARTS #4 ALBUM BIG W CHARTS OVER 22,000 ALBUMS SHIPPED TO SHOPS IN THE FIRST 3 WEEKS OF RELEASE COUNTRY MUSIC CHANNEL (CMC) 'CYDI' TRACK ON HIGH ROTATION NUMBER OF INTERVIEWS: 72 NUMBER OF KILOMETRES JOHN HAS TRAVELLED: 5937   Issue 40 - September Edition 2008 Gum Leaf Notes No. 110 How you goin' folks Well, the NSW Variety Bash was amazing and Meg and I are still best mates! (they reckoned it would test our relationship).But I've gotta say I don't want to drive a Pommie car again . . . we won the award for the most breakdowns! Actually it was just a damn fuel blockage and a leaky tank that was the problem. But, you know, every time the car had an angina attack, the greatest people pulled up to help (even though there were five mobile workshops). It seems that a majority of Bashers are car freaks and love working on cars. And a breakdown on a Bash is an excuse to have a beer and a chat. So I managed to meet most of the 120 carloads of people on the side of the road. Although it rained every day and there was even snow on the way to Cooma, it was still a lot of fun and what a way to raise money for those special needs kids. Of course, I'm an old mud-runner from Croppa Creek so I was in my element (when the bloody car was going!!) Actually, the Humber Super Snipe handled the mud really well. But, no, I want a Holden ute next time . . . Yes, I'm hooked. I couldn't stop Meg doing it every year anyway. She is well loved on the Bash. Can't believe how well 'Hillbilly Road' is selling. Thank you folks for responding so well to my new songs. I feel rejuvenated by your love. See you along the road of song   John and the Turtle John took time out of his schedule at the Gympie Muster, QLD to check out the wildlife of Amamoor Creek State Forest. The Mary River Turtle (pictured) and Lung Fish are under threat with plans on building a dam near their home. For more info, head to www.acfonline.org.au/savetheturtle   Issue 39 - August Edition 2008 Gum Leaf Notes No. 109 How you goin' folks It is the eve of the NSW 2008 Variety Bash and at last I have settled to be excited about it. There has been a lot to do considering HILLBILLY ROAD is about to be released. This is Meg's 10th Bash and I promised last year that I would be her co-driver. Also I promised that HILLBILLY ROAD would be the sponsor. By the way, we are driving a pale green 1964 Humber Super Snipe. It looks great! (It's Meg's car not mine?!) To raise more money for Variety, the Children's Charity, we were hosts to two great people from near Gympie (Al and Lyn) for 24 hours at our hideaway in Queensland. They had a great time and reckoned the auctioned price of $6000 on Ebay was a bargain. More on the Bash next time. Those who have heard HILLBILLY ROAD have varied tastes, and I find different tracks are coming as favourites. Not surprising when the songs vary from the folk end of country to calypso. From pure love songs to bush ballads. I do know already that dads are brought to tears by 'Cydi'. I hope you all tell me your favourites. It really helps me know if I'm still on the right track. See you along the road of song For more info or to make a donation, please visit Variety, the Children's Charity NSW website at www.varietynsw.org.au   On the Road with John and Meg on the Variety Bash The Bash started on Thursday 7th August from the Westpoint Shopping Centre carpark, Blacktown and will finish at Batemans Bay on Saturday 16th August. The 3,976 kilometre drive will take participants to West Wyalong, Mildura, Murray Bridge, Mount Gambier, Warrnambool, Bendigo, Wangaratta and Cooma. En route, John and his fellow 'Bashers' have been calling into local schools and community organisations to raise awareness about Variety, the Children's Charity. Meet our Mate Steve Newton - Sound Engineer for the HILLBILLY ROAD album What exactly does John's Sound Engineer do? As a sound recording engineer, my job is to capture John's performance of a song, onto recording equipment so that when it is played back, the recording sounds as close to the real thing as possible (unless John is looking for a particular effect for the feeling)... The voice and instruments are recorded individually so that adjustments to the balance of the sound can be made. Once the balance is 'just right' I will, as the engineer, make a master copy of this final balance and go with that master to another studio where all the final recordings are compiled into a master CD and made ready for the manufacturer. What is John like to work with in the studio? John is very creative. He loves to record and hear his songs and ideas grow. John likes to try all sorts of things, exploring new and different sounds and ideas. Because John is such a strong songwriter, the material is always of a high standard and great to work with. The musicians all have great respect for John and the material as well, and this makes it a great environment to work in. Favourite John Williamson track from HILLBILLY ROAD and why: It's hard to have just one. There are many great memories for me as I listen to the album... But I think it has to be CYDI...I'm sure for a lot of dads with daughters, this song really touches me. It, like so many JW songs, gets your inner thoughts going. This is the magic of John's songs for me and to see how this song connects with his live audience is confirming and heartwarming. Well done Johnno! From the Roadside Mail Box Here's what you had to say about John's new album, Hillbilly Road: Had a pretty stressful day at work, had to work overtime and to cap it all it's pouring with rain here in the South East of England. I walk in the door and find my signed copy of Hillbilly Road CD, Poster & True Blue Sticker has just arrived from down-under. Things aren't so bad after all. You turned a miserable day into a happy one. Mike & Ann Foot Surrey, England Mate, Hillbilly Road is everything. I love the mix of the mood and given my current situation I can really relate to 'Catch a Virgin'. And I am keeping it together so far!! When I received your album I did two things, I hung a 4ft X 3ft Australian flag in my lounge room with your poster next to it and I drove out to the Gympie Muster site and played your tunes across the gum trees. No one but me to enjoy it! Ash Little (Ash's kids are pictured below), Gympie, QLD Cannot wait to see you in concert! My dad and I just did a 6500km road trip with your music pumping from the stereo, no matter how often I hear it I love it like the first time I ever heard it... I have many more travels to have with my dad to your wonderful music. It makes me proud to be an Aussie! Jody Hircock Wynnum North, QLD Thanks for the CD that you posted. I was stoked when I got home from school and found the package on my door step and it was real cool that you signed it too. Jack Inglis (pictured below in the Blue Mountains, NSW) I think it is probably his best Album, in terms of 'diversity', yet truly pure Aussie. My/our favourite track is Beach of love, for to us it represents our own 'older love'. TP and Wendy Pescud Vancouver Island, Canada Meet our Mate Bob Howe - Webmaster (aka 'Bob the Web Builder') How long have you been building John's website and how did you get into the job? Since the turn of the century I think. I've known Phil Matthews (John's manager) since the mid-seventies when I worked at Festival Records. I'm not sure exactly when I met John for the first time but I know when I was playing guitar on the TV show Reg Lindsay's Country Homestead in 1979, he was a guest artist and I got to play one of my favourite JW songs, Leave the Lights On. Anyway, Phil had read my Capital News magazine column, Cowboys In Cyberspace, and asked for some advice when John's site needed updating. I ended up with the job! What is your favourite part of www.johnwilliamson.com.au? I like the Music/Lyrics section of the site. It is very generous of John and Phil to share the music. Hopefully there will be more songs added in the future. You are also a country music star, do you have any other interesting talents you can share with us? Well I wouldn't say a star, but I'm proud to have been a working musician for 35 years now. Many people also know me as 'Big Bob from Bondi' as I talk the Gig Guide on John Nutting's Saturday Night Country on ABC Radio each week. If you need to know more, I've started writing My Story at www.bobhowe.com and although I'm only up to the early years, it does explain how I was first introduced to Australian music and why I'm a tragic Dr Who addict! From the Roadside Mail Box Hi John, As a fan of your music and lyrics for many years, and as a mother who took her boys to your concerts at every opportunity, I have developed a deep appreciation for the uniqueness and beauty of our country through your work. Having said that, I have never been overtly patriotic, until I came to work in Afghanistan, where our Aussie troops and expats demonstrate such pride and appreciation for our lucky country. My cabin (donger) door now proudly displays your 'True Blue' sticker and I have shared my CD's with many nationalities here. I take great pleasure when they smile at your words, and they regularly fire request for explanations about your lyrics like... 'what's a cockie?' Through your music, others are developing the same appreciation for our country and our culture. This morning I walked into one of the offices here, and found an American and a South African standing in the middle of the room singing 'Shelter'! How beautiful is that! I would like to say 'thank you' for your contribution to our beautiful nation. Looking forward to your next album. Lisa (Accounting HR Administration Manager in Kandahar, Afghanistan) HILLBILLY ROAD Getaway Auction for Variety, The Children's Charity Congratulations to the winners of the HILLBILLY ROAD Getaway auction that was held on eBay throughout July. John and Meg auctioned off a weekend away at their hinterland hideaway in aid of Variety, the Children's Charity. A healthy $6000 was raised by the highest bidders, a delightful couple from Gympie, QLD. They were treated to smoked chops and song around a campfire.

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