Aussie country music icon makes shock career announcement: 'Over being on the road'
An Australian music legend is hanging up his cowboy boots and guitar after more than 55 years.
John Williamson announced his retirement from touring and from the Tamworth Music Festival, telling fans this year's festival will be his last.
The True Blue singer said he still loves writing songs and recording music, but he was "over being on the road" and being away from his family.
John Williamson is retiring from touring, with his final performance taking place at the Tamworth Country Music Festival. Fairfax Photographic
The country music singer has played at the festival nearly every single year for 54 years, starting in 1970.
"I've got a lot of things I want to do, and I'm 80 now, and I want to do it before I drop dead," he told NBN news.
Ahead of his final show on Saturday at the historic Tamworth festival, the singer told media he isn't sure how he will feel once he actually does stop touring.
"I think it's good to pull out while I'm still doing good shows and I'm not having to read the lyrics or have monitors on the stage," he told the ABC.
The True Blue singer has played at the festival nearly every single year for 54 years, starting in 1970. Getty
Williamson has sold over 5 million albums and won 28 Golden Guitar Awards. Lisa Wiltse/LWZ
"We'll see how I feel afterwards, but I mean, just about everybody that retires wants to come back and do it again."
Williamson is such a fixture of the festival, the event organisers unveiled a life-sized bronze statue of the singer to honour him.
The Tamworth Country Music Festival is a 10-day event held in the regional NSW city, celebrating the best in Australian and international country music.
It ranks among the top 10 festivals worldwide, and it is the largest country music festival in the southern hemisphere.
Williamson's career started in 1970 when he performed his tune Old Man Emu on the TV show New Faces.
It became a hit instantly, securing him his first record deal.
Since then, he has released over 50 albums and has written more than 500 songs.
Williamson's career started in 1970 when he performed Old Man Emu on the TV show New Faces. Getty
The singer has sold over 5 million albums, winning 28 Golden Guitar Awards at the Country Music Awards of Australia.
He also has three Aria Awards, and was awarded the Order of Australia in 1992 for his service to country music.
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