Eric Bogle could be Scotland's greatest living Australian. Or the other way around, depending on how you look at it.

Born in Peebles, Scotland in 1944, and emigrating to Australia in 1969, he currently resides near Adelaide, South Australia.

Written in 1972, 'And the Band Played Waltzing Matilda' is perhaps his best-known song, being a haunting evocation of the ANZAC experience fighting in the Battle of Gallipoli. It has also been interpreted as a reaction to the Vietnam War.

Bogle's songs cover a wide range of subjects, including bright comic songs, satires, protest songs and other serious considerations of the human condition. Some idea of the breadth of his work can be gained from the differing subject matter, ranging from the Aussie barbecue to a homage to Stan Rogers, entitled 'Safe in the Harbour'. One of his most popular songs, 'Katie and the Dreamtime Land', is a tribute to American folksinger Kate Wolf, following her untimely death from leukemia in 1986.

In a similar vein to 'And the Band Played Waltzing Matilda', his song, 'No Man's Land', refers to the old Scottish song, 'Flowers of the Forest' being played over the grave of a World War I soldier. (Bogle has been known to call the song The Green Fields of France, a title it was first given by The Fureys and used by The Men They Couldn't Hang).

Many of his songs have been covered by other artists, particularly his anti-war songs. 'And the Band Played Waltzing Matilda' and 'No Man's Land' both gained fame in versions by June Tabor, The Men They Couldn't Hang and The Clancy Brothers. 'And the Band Played Waltzing Matilda' was covered by John McDermott, Mike Harding and The Pogues, and 'All the Fine Young Men' was recorded by De Dannan. Recently, the Dropkick Murphys covered 'The Green Fields of France', and 'Shelter' was covered by John Williamson on his album of great Australian anthems.

Eric Bogle is touring New Zealand in October with long time musical collaborators Pete Titchener (guitar) and Emma Luker (violin).

They'll play the Eastern Southland Gallery, Gore, on Wednesday, 19 October, at 8pm.

He has played in Gore a couple of times over the years but is especially looking forward to this tour, which he says will probably be his last.

“It’s a gorgeous country", says Eric. “Scenically part Scotland and part Jurassic Park, but all gobsmackingly beautiful. Can’t wait to see it again, to meet up with some old friends, play a bit of music, and sample a tub or two of hokey-pokey ice cream……..”

Gallery Curator Jim Geddes says: “Legendary Scottish born, Australian folk singer-songwriter, Eric Bogle was scheduled to perform here in October 2001. Due to Covid restrictions we had to postpone his concert until 2022, but he is well worth the wait.

Tickets: Adults $30, Gallery Members $25, Students $10. Book: Eastern Southland Gallery, Tel 03 208 9907, email [email protected]