In a moment that will be remembered as one of the most poignant of his career, Australian music icon John Williamson delivered a heartfelt performance of his classic anthem, “True Blue,” at Adelaide Oval on Wednesday, December 17. The performance was a tribute to the victims of Sunday’s tragic mass shooting at Bondi Beach, an attack that claimed 16 lives, including one of the alleged gunmen.
The Adelaide crowd, attending the opening day of the third Test of the 2025-26 Ashes Series, was silenced as Williamson’s voice resonated across the stadium, carrying a message of remembrance, resilience, and unity. Known for his “bush music” and deeply Australian storytelling, Williamson’s emotional dedication brought the audience to a reflective stillness, a rare pause amid the usual buzz of cricket festivities.
“I felt incredibly honoured to perform ‘True Blue’ in memory of those who were lost,” Williamson later told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. “I had to stay professional, but the gravity of the moment was overwhelming. Singing that song felt like a duty to my fellow Australians, to show we grieve together and stand together.”
Cancelling his Christmas holiday plans on the Gold Coast, the 80-year-old made the journey to Adelaide specifically to perform, underscoring his commitment to the moment. “It’s hard to describe the feeling,” he said. “I woke up thinking, ‘Is this real?’ It’s one of those career moments that stays with you forever.”
Since its release in 1982, “True Blue” has become emblematic of Australian identity. The song has been featured at national sporting events, public ceremonies, and memorials, including the funerals of broadcaster John Laws and the legendary wildlife presenter Steve “Crocodile Hunter” Irwin. Williamson has long described it as a song that belongs to every Australian.
The Bondi Beach shooting, which took place during a Hanukkah celebration, has plunged the nation into mourning. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the attack as an act of antisemitic terrorism. In response, the New South Wales Parliament will reconvene before Christmas to implement stricter gun and protest laws.
Williamson’s performance was more than a musical moment—it was a national act of remembrance. With over 50 years in the music industry, five million albums sold, more than a billion streams, 28 Golden Guitar awards, four ARIA Awards, and a 2010 induction into the ARIA Hall of Fame, Williamson has long been considered a cultural pillar. His accolades include being made a Member of the Order of Australia in 1992 for his services to country music and environmental conservation.
As the final notes of “True Blue” echoed through Adelaide Oval, many in the crowd were visibly moved. The performance served as a reminder of the healing power of music and the role of cultural icons in times of national tragedy. For Williamson, it was a professional duty and a deeply personal act of tribute—an expression of grief, respect, and enduring Australian spirit.