John Schumann to bring Redgum show to St Kilda

Known for his work with highly influential band Redgum, John will perform The Redgum Years at MEMO Music Hall on July 15 and 16.

Joined by his band The Vagabond Crew, John will explore the songs, stories, laughter and passion of the beloved political folk group.

The show is specifically dedicated to the fans who helped shape the band's musical legacy.

Redgum proudly told Australian stories - their songs incorporated place names and cultural intricacies, while placing a strong emphasis on social equality, political and economic justice.

Their song I Was Only 19 influenced generations and remains one of the country's most impactful and well known war protest songs.

John's contributions to the band included 100 Years On, Stewie, The Last Frontier, Where You Gonna Run To, Poor Ned, Virgin Ground, Gladstone Pier and I've Been To Bali Too.

While John has performed songs by Redgum on occasion, he hasn't fully returned to his roots since leaving the group. It was his current bandmates who convinced him to do the special show.

"I expected to see the songs as timepieces, exercises in nostalgia, but not relevant," he said.

"It was absolutely fascinating to discover that 90 per cent of the songs work just as hard today as they did when they were originally written, recorded and performed back in the 80s."

He said he was excited to return to Melbourne, as the city played such a pivotal role in Redgum's early success.

"There were only three or four gigs for bands at our level in Adelaide, whereas, in Melbourne, we could play every night for three or four weeks without having to travel and sleep in motels every night.

"I wrote I Was Only 19 in the backyard of the house in Station Street."

For more information or to book click here.