In the wake of the devastating mass shooting at Bondi Beach, legendary bush balladeer John Williamson has stepped forward to offer the nation a moment of collective healing through his music.
On Wednesday, December 17, the ARIA Hall of Fame inductee delivered a poignant rendition of his iconic anthem, “True Blue,” to a hushed, capacity crowd at the Adelaide Oval. The performance served as a solemn tribute to the lives lost in the recent tragedy.
This stirring musical homage took place just before the opening delivery of the third Test in the 2025-26 Ashes Series, where Australia faced off against England in a high-stakes encounter overshadowed by national grief.
Reflecting on the experience, Williamson expressed a profound sense of duty, stating he felt both relieved and deeply privileged to honor the victims through his craft. To make the performance possible, the 80-year-old artist abandoned his holiday plans on the Gold Coast, rushing to the South Australian capital at a moment’s notice.
Speaking with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), the veteran songwriter described the atmosphere as surreal. “It will stand as one of the most significant moments of my career,” Williamson remarked. “I woke up this morning questioning if it was all a dream—that is how impactful the experience was for me.”
Despite the heavy emotional weight of the occasion, Williamson focused on vocal precision. “I had to maintain my professionalism to do the song justice,” he explained. “I didn’t allow myself to be overcome by emotion because I knew how vital it was to deliver the lyrics with strength and clarity.”
With a career spanning over half a century, Williamson is a titan of Australian music, having sold over five million albums and surpassed one billion streams. His accolades include 28 Golden Guitar awards and four ARIA Awards. In 1992, he was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for his contributions to country music and his tireless advocacy for environmental conservation.
A true cultural icon, Williamson previously performed at the opening ceremony of the 2000 Sydney Olympics and was officially inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame in 2010.
Since its debut in 1982, “True Blue” has woven itself into the fabric of the Australian identity. It has become a staple at major ceremonies and sporting events, most notably being performed by Williamson at the memorial service for Steve Irwin and the funeral of legendary broadcaster John Laws. Williamson has long described the track as a “song for all Australians.”
The nation remains in mourning following the horrific assault, which occurred when gunmen targeted a Hanukkah celebration. The death toll has reached 16, a figure that includes one of the perpetrators killed during the confrontation.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has condemned the massacre as an act of antisemitic terrorism. In response, the New South Wales Parliament is scheduled for an emergency recall just before Christmas to implement stricter firearms regulations and protest laws.
