ARTIST OF THE WEEK – John Blades

BSMDDS710 – JOHN BLADES – LOVE WILL HAVE TO WAIT

Watching television at the age of 16, I remember young soldiers parading on an Australian Navy ship en-route from Sydney to Vietnam. I then witnessed my mother crying for other mothers in fear that their sons may never return. This moment has never left me.

News stories from Vietnam were on T.V. almost every evening. I remember the Anti-War Moratorium on the streets of Melbourne with thousands of people demanding peace and withdrawal from Vietnam. All this was going on whilst lacking appreciation for the boys and men on the frontline.

There were no ticker tape parades when our soldiers came home.

Years passing by would reveal the extent of long-term health problems many former Vets have suffered, particularly P.T.S.D. Thankfully over time, a growing appreciation and Honour has been bestowed upon them.

This is a personal tribute to our returned Vietnam Vets. I don’t pretend to understand what our troops went through. All I desire to get across in this song is “Thank You”.

The Mornington Peninsula, outside of Melbourne, is where I live and in many ways I feel it gives me the depth of my songwriting. It’s where I want to be.

I try to write songs to topics and experiences that have true meaning. Some come easy but others can take time to structure to get the story out right.

Country/Rock is my main genre but also with an influence of what I call Australiana. My songs may not be as pure Country to some listeners but I will always allow my writing to go on its own course. Therefore I stay true to myself.