John Williamson led a stirring tribute at Adelaide Oval on Wednesday as the cricket world paused to remember the victims of the Bondi Beach terrorist attack.
The 80-year-old icon, a four-time ARIA award winner and member of its Hall of Fame, performed a powerful version of his hit song True Blue in front of a packed house at the picturesque Adelaide ground.
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The 15 innocent victims who lost their lives in the horrific attack on Sunday were front of mind as the third Ashes Test got underway.
There was also beefed up security for the match, with a noticeable police presence outside and within the ground.
Watch the pre-match tribute in the video player above
“After the tragic events at Bondi Beach last Sunday evening, we come together as nations to pay our respects to all those who lost their lives and offer our condolences to their families, their friends and to the Jewish community,” the ground announcer said.
“We also acknowledge those who bravely offered assistance to others at the scene.
“We now ask those here today, and fans watching around the world, to please stand if able as we pause for a moment’s silence.”
An impeccable silence was observed before Williamson began singing and playing his guitar in a moment that gave many chills.
Rugby league great Darryl Brohman was among those watching on.
“How good is John Williamson singing True Blue at the cricket in a tribute to the Bondi Massacre,” Brohman wrote on X.
BBC reporter Henry Moeran tweeted: “Hugely powerful moment before play in Adelaide as John Williamson sings the Australian classic ‘True Blue’. 50,000 coming together to remember the victims of Sunday’s attack in Sydney.”
Journalist Nick Metcalfe said: “Oh God, John Williamson is singing True Blue at the Test match. Stop the clocks song for me.”
X account Third Man View wrote: “A moment’s silence at Adelaide Oval to honour the victims of the Bondi tragedy. Condolences to their families, friends, and the Jewish community. Followed by John Williamson’s True Blue, a powerful, emotional moment.”
Ben Cameron said: “Finest cricket oval in the world … not a dry eye in the house for that moment of silence for the Bondi victims followed by a stirring rendition of “True Blue” by John Williamson, it hit differently today.”
@TheMShift said: “Given recent events, ‘True Blue’ by John Williamson hits pretty hard. Bravo, CricketAus and SACA.”
Josh Howe added: “True Blue fit this occasion absolutely perfectly. Beautiful and poignant rendition of a classic Aussie song.”
Once the cricket got underway, an improved England attack took regular Aussie wickets, with the home side nearing 300 in the final session.
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