John Schumann joins Paul Cashmere for an in-depth conversation about Corrugated Highway: The Redgum Years, the new live album recorded at Melbourne’s iconic Memo Music Hall. In this wide-ranging interview, Schumann reflects on why he resisted calls for a Redgum reunion for decades and how the project finally came together through the vision of The Vagabond Crew.
Schumann explains how framing the shows as John Schumann And The Vagabond Crew Present The Redgum Years allowed him to honour the catalogue without rewriting history. The album captures a powerful snapshot of songs that helped define Australian political songwriting.
The discussion explores the careful curation of the setlist, opening with One More Boring Night In Adelaide from If You Don’t Fight You Lose, and the stories behind classics such as Poor Ned, The Long Run, and I Was Only 19. Schumann recounts how The Long Run was written to prove critics wrong, and how I Was Only 19 almost didn’t happen before becoming one of Australia’s most important songs.
Schumann also reflects on difficult periods in Redgum’s history, including Brown Rice And Kerosene, the decision to record Caught In The Act, and why he ultimately left the band in 1986 to prioritise family life. He speaks candidly about radio resistance, maintaining an Australian identity, and the cultural impact of Redgum’s music.
This interview offers rare insight into one of Australia’s most respected songwriters and the enduring legacy of Redgum.
Stay updated with your free Noise11.com daily music news email alert. Subscribe to Noise11 Music News here
Be the first to see NOISE11.com’s newest interviews and special features on YouTube. See things first—Subscribe to Noise11 on YouTube
Follow Noise11.com on social media:
Bluesky
Facebook – Comment on the news of the day
