Eric Bogle

Eric Bogle in concert

Eric Bogle was born in Peebles, Scotland in 1943. He was the only son of Lawrence, a railway worker and Nancy a domestic servant. His only early musical learning seemed to be an aversion to bagpipe music. He later formed a teenage band called Eric and the Informers in the 1960s. The group was popular in Peebles!

In 1969, Eric gratefully accepted the Australian government's offer of free passage to the distant shores of New South Wales. This is where he started to write songs to keep him from going bananas. His music was largely ingnored until 1972 when he wrote the now classic "And The Band Played Waltzing Matilida", which upon release, set the Australian music world alight. He followed "Matilda" with songs like "No Man's Land", "Now I'm Easy" and who could forget "The Aussie Barbecue Song". He quickly earned the reputation as a deep social commentator.

Eric believes he has already achieved far more than he ever dreamed he would, so is quite content taking on each new challenge as it comes along.

John Munro

John Munro signing CDs at the Full Moon Folk Club

John Munro has been travelling & playing mandolin and guitar with Eric Bogle for almost 30 years. John also plays with Colcannon. It is a contemporary Australian band from Adelaide, SA. The feel is slightly Celtic but the songs are strongly Australian. Their instrumental arrangements are strong and powerful. They have 8 CDs to their credit. Colcannon is consistently in demand at Australian festivals such as Port Fairy and Woodford. The band brings a 'joie de vivre' to every performance.

Plans are underway for an extensive tour with Eric Bogle and Colcannon in early 2006

Alan Budd with Eric Bogle at the Full Moon Folk Club

To find out more about Eric Bogle or John Munro

& where you can hear them, visit their personal web sites.