Unforgotten: Songs of Australians at War in Townsville
About
11 September 2026 will be the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks that motivated the war on terror interventions in Afghanistan and Iraq.To mark the occasion, Fred Smith and band will perform a survey in song of the experiences of Australians at war beginning with the iconic works of Henry Lawson, Eric Bogle, John Schumann (Redgum), and Don Walker (Cold Chisel) leading through to his own firsthand song-stories from the valleys of Uruzgan Province and the evacuation of Kabul.
Fred Smith served for two years alongside our troops in Tarin Kowt and at Forward Operating Base Mirwais in the Chora Valley of Uruzgan Province. He lived to tell the story and was recently awarded an Order of Australia for doing so through song, memoire and a remarkable series of concerts around the country.
Framed by a stunning collection of projected photos and some cheeky Aussie humour, the songs are set in historical context, honouring the sacrifices made while asking some timely questions about the costs and benefits of our “alliance wars”.
Media Quotes
“Finely observed snapshots of a harsh, sad and funny reality…balancing drama and humour…towering artistic achievement” John Shand, SMH
“Fred Smith is an exceptional songwriter and certainly the equal of Bogle, Walker and Schumann… a cycle of songs that are raw, remarkably honest and suitably ambivalent about the nature of war.” Bruce Elder, Sydney Morning Herald
“Simply, this is a story that must be told - and must be heard. Do not miss this - it’s too important” John Schumann, Redgum
Audience Responses from recent performances
• “…highly entertaining and deeply thoughtful. It manages to be both profound in content and entertaining in style. As far as I’m aware there is nothing else like it. It conveys deep respect for those who served, without glorification of the causes in which they did so. It’s a tribute to the vets but also an education for the community at large. I hope it will be seen and enjoyed by as many people as possible.”
Sandy Hollway AO
• “…now part of the canon of Australia’s commemoration to all who have served” - HE Sam Mostyn AC, Governor-General of Australia
• “What a fabulous show. So thought provoking and revealing. Every Australian should watch this show. I learnt so much. Thankyou for bringing this show to us”. Jo (Fremantle) on Facebook
• “Powerful, thought provoking, poignant, emotive with just the right amount of humour to counteract and take the edge off the pathos. It was absolutely brilliant.”
Janet Barnes Facebook
• “Such a great show, grief and sorrow mixed with wisdom, history, humour, inclusiveness and wonderful music”. Leith Maddock on Facebook
• “An emotional eye opener… people walk away with a clearer understanding of us and the environment we worked in.” — Paul Warren, returned soldier
Date
Friday 11 September 2026 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM (UTC+10)Location
Herbert Hotel
102 Sturt Street, Townsville City QLD 4810
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Unforgotten: Songs of Australians at War in Townsville
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