Fred Smith 

Morning tea: 10:00am, Lakeview Room
Show time: 11:00am, Theatre 

Fred Smith and band will perform a survey in song of the experiences of Australians at war beginning with the iconic works of Henry Lawson, Eric Bogle, John Schumann (Redgum), and Don Walker (Cold Chisel) leading through to his own firsthand song-stories from the valleys of Uruzgan Province and the evacuation of Kabul.  

Fred Smith served for two years alongside our troops in Tarin Kowt and at Forward Operating Base Mirwais in the Chora Valley of Uruzgan Province. He lived to tell the story and was recently awarded an Order of Australia for doing so through song, memoire and a remarkable series of concerts around the country.  

Framed by a stunning collection of projected photos and some cheeky Aussie humour, the songs are set in historical context, honouring the sacrifices made while asking some timely questions about the costs and benefits of our “alliance wars”. 

“An exceptional songwriter and certainly the equal of Bogle, Walker and Schumann… a cycle of songs that are raw, remarkably honest and suitably ambivalent about the nature of war”, Bruce Elder, Sydney Morning Herald. 

“Finely observed snapshots of a harsh, sad and funny reality…balancing drama and humour…towering artistic achievement”, John Shand, SMH.

“Simply, this is a story that must be told – and must be heard. Do not miss this – it’s too important”, John Schumann, Redgum. 

Duration: 75 minutes, without interval
Artist recommended age: 15+
Audience Advice: Mature themes, References to war
Show description: Morning Melodies, Music