True Blue singer John Williamson releases new songs and Barnesy joins all-star gig for the Voice

Aussie singer John Williamson has lent on his skills to throw his support behind the Voice to Parliament and an all-star gig ahead of the referendum.

JOHN Williamson has added his support for the Voice to parliament with two new songs Uluru Forever and the instrumental Voice From The Heart.

The new songs released on Friday join the True Blue legend’s vast repertoire of songs about conservation and climate change, the republic and Indigenous culture and issues.

They include his 1987 anthem Raining on the Rock, which celebrates Uluru as the spiritual heart of Australia, with Indigenous singer songwriter Warren H. Williams 25 years ago.

“When my Aranda mate, Warren H. Williams asked me to change the lyrics in ‘Raining on the Rock’ from ‘Uluru is power’ to ‘Uluru IS power, it sunk in to me that Uluru in Indigenous history has been a powerful gathering place for many mobs,” Williamson said.

“After being there many times now, I am convinced that Uluru is a mighty symbol of unity for all Aussies.”

The Uluru Forever and Voice from the Heart by John Williamson. Picture: Supplied.

The Australian live music industry has also joined forces with award-winning rapper, record label owner and Yorta Yorta man Briggs to stage the Now & Forever concert, a “celebration and invitation to stand in solidarity with community.”.

The all-star line-up to perform at Shepparton on October 6 includes A.B. Original, Jimmy Barnes, Baker Boy, Baarka, Emma Donovan, Hilltop Hoods, Mo’Ju, Paul Kelly and co-host Sam Pang.

Briggs said the Now & Forever picnic-style concert, which is being held in his hometown, would offer undecided voters a unique opportunity to learn more about the Voice.

Tickets for the star-studded gig have been capped at $21.50 to make it affordable, and therefore inclusive, with all proceeds donated to local charities and not-for-profit organisations around the country.

Baker Boy, Briggs and Paul Kelly will perform at the Now & Forever concert. Picture: Supplied.

“I had to bring this home because this is where I grew up,” Briggs said.

“We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to write our future together, and the artists on the bill have signed up for that.

“This is about celebration, inclusivity, solidarity, positivity and listening, as much as it is about a voice. In that spirit, everyone is welcome to the show – even the undecided voters. And if you don’t know, just come to the show.”

Williamson said as the Voice vote on October 14 draws near, music had a role to play in engaging voters.

“There is nothing like a song to get people to listen to an opinion. I have proved that with my song ‘Rip Rip Woodchip’, which ended up in the ABC songbook for schools around the country,” he said.

“Even humorous songs can do the trick. ‘Bill the Cat’ sent a message that cats dumped in the wild will kill a lot of our native birds and animals. ‘Goodbye Blinky Bill’ highlights the plight of our koalas.”

Tickets for the Now & Forever concert are on sale from 9am on September 22 via ticketmaster.com.au/nowandforever

Originally published as True Blue singer John Williamson releases new songs and Barnesy joins all-star gig for the Voice