A return to where it all began

Australian music icon John Williamson brought magic back to Big Red this July, performing two intimate sunset shows that took everyone back to where it all started. Perched atop the iconic red dune near Birdsville, Queensland, his performances on 8 and 9 July 2025 felt like a homecoming of sorts. Williamson was, after all, the very first artist to headline the Big Red Bash when it began in 2013.

A scaled-down desert celebration

While the 2025 Big Red Bash took a break this year, organisers weren’t about to let the desert go silent. Instead of the usual 10,000-strong crowd, about 2,000 fans gathered for something smaller and more personal. These stripped-back shows were a nod to the festival’s roots and to the man who helped put it on the map.

Nature paints a new picture

The Simpson Desert had undergone a rare transformation. Recent outback floods left the landscape dotted with water and a surprising wash of greenery. “From up there, all those puddles and green patches look just like an Aboriginal painting,” Williamson reflected after flying into Birdsville.

More than a concert

The event wasn’t just about nostalgia or music. For Birdsville and the surrounding region, the Big Red Bash is a vital economic engine. The festival’s cancellation had sparked concern among tourism operators and local businesses who rely on the annual influx of visitors. This special pair of shows helped ease some of that pressure while still giving fans a reason to hit the road.

A veteran voice in the desert

Now in the 55th year of his career, Williamson still knows how to hold a crowd. Whether he was performing fan favourites or soaking in the outback silence between songs, his voice carried far beyond the dunes. Fans travelled from all over the country, some driving for days, just to be there.

As the sun dipped behind Big Red and the desert air cooled, the moment felt bigger than any one concert. It was a reminder of how music can cut through distance and time, bringing people together in the most unexpected places.

Looking ahead to 2026

Although the Big Red Bash took a breather this year, organisers have confirmed it will return in full force in 2026. But those who made the journey this July will tell you – there was something truly unforgettable about watching a legend perform against the sunset, surrounded by silence, sand and song.