True Blue troubadour John Williamson preserved in bronze on Tamworth’s main street

‘I didn’t realise that I had such a big head, but that’s all right: that’s what happens when they give you a bronze statue,’ said John Williamson with a laugh.

Country guitarist John Williamson alongside the new statue of him in Tamworth on Tuesday. Picture: Lisa Maree Williams

John Williamson thought he had seen and done it all during more than 50 years at the forefront of Australian country music, but not too long ago he did something few of us will ever experience.

His body was digitally measured so that a life-size mould of him could be created, which was in turn cast in bronze.

From Wednesday, this statue of Williamson – complete with an acoustic guitar slung over his shoulder – will stand in the main street of Tamworth, the home of Australian country music, immortalising his contribution to the national culture and songbook.

Williamson saw the statue in person for the first time on Tuesday afternoon, ahead of a ceremonial unveiling to be held on Wednesday.

“I didn’t realise that I had such a big head, but that’s all right: that’s what happens when they give you a bronze statue,” he told The Australian on Tuesday, with a laugh.

Funded by a combination of the Tamworth Regional Council, the NSW government and an online crowd-funding campaign at a cost of about $90,000, the bronze statue was created by Newcastle-based sculptor Tanya Bartlett.

It will stand near the centre of Peel Street, situated between the three other monuments to great Australian country musicians in Smoky Dawson, Slim Dusty and Joy McKean.

“That puts me in a fairly high ranking,” said Williamson. “I’m very flattered by it and very proud of that. Joy is the exception, but Slim and Smoky didn’t see theirs – they were already gone.”

Speaking with The Australian on Tuesday, McKean said: “He’s a great songwriter, and he’s been pushing always for Australian music. He’s always been a great one for making sure that we all remember just what we can do ourselves, as Australians, and how we should be taking pride in our own songs and stories of our country.”

John Williamson with his life-size bronze statue in Tamworth. Picture: Lisa Maree Williams

As for the unusual experience of seeing a life-size statue of yourself, 92-year-old McKean had a few words to share with the True Blue songwriter.

“It’s very strange to see yourself in bronze; John is just going to have to get used to it, and I’m sure he will be very happy to do so,” she said with a laugh. “I hope that he’s happy with the statue and that he enjoys the unveiling.”

The Tamworth Country Music Festival began on Monday, after being rescheduled from its usual January spot because of Covid-19 restrictions.

The 50th Golden Guitar Awards will be held on Wednesday night, while the regional city is currently enjoying a shortened version of the annual event, which will end on Sunday.