John Williamson hits the road to complete tour interrupted by COVID

John Williamson’s Winding Back Tour has recommenced this month after it was interrupted due to COVID-19 last year.

The tour will take Williamson across Australia, something he’s done regularly for the last 50 years, as he stops off around the country for 40 shows.

“This year is going to be really busy, especially the first half because we’re doing a lot of catch-up cause people have kept their tickets and I can’t let them down,” Williamson said.

“It’ll be a lot busier. This upcoming tour is pretty flat out.”

The tour will most likely be Williamson’s last, but he hasn’t ruled out the possibility of playing shows in the future.

“I’ve got to be a bit more picky because I have other projects on the land and I want to stay at home a bit more,” he said.

There’s no love lost for Williamson when it comes to performing but he said it’s time for him to wind back his workload.

“I’m enjoying it as much as ever, I’m just warning people I might not be as full of energy into my 80’s,” he said.

“I know one day I’m going to say I can’t do this anymore, and it’s better to wind back rather than just all of a sudden pull out.”

“Every time I get on stage I think ‘why would I give it up’ but at 76 things are going to change for me and my fingers are getting sore all the time.”

Williamson said he wouldn’t be writing as many songs now he’s reducing his workload.

“I don’t write now unless I get inspired to write,” Williamson said.

“I don’t have to write anymore.”

The modern music industry has made it difficult for artist to make money according to Williamson.

The renowned Australian artist said streaming services have made music “not worth recording albums anymore”.

“They’ve stopped selling cd’s now so what’s the point,” he said.

“You can put out the odd song that is good for the career just to keep it fresh, but I used to have projects where I’d write 10 to 14 songs for an album.”

“That’s doesn’t happen anymore, and I wonder how this will affect song writers in the future.”

After touring for over 50 years, Williamson isn’t able to narrow down any favourite venues he said he loves to perform at.

“I have favourite venues all around Australia and the audiences are always great, so I don’t really pick favourites,” he said.

“If the place fills up that’s when I enjoy it the most because you know they’re all there and excited about it and the vibe is great and it’s a joy to perform for them.”