Khe Sanh (Long Tan Version)

Annotation

John Schumann, born in Adelaide, South Australia (18 May 1953), released this album which focused on war, containing First and Second World War songs, as well as some other well-known Vietnam tracks, including Schumann's famous composition " I Was Only 19 ", which he performed as a member of the group Redgum (1983). The album featured a cover of "Khe Sanh", originally by Cold Chisel. However, it was renamed "Long Tan Version", as the reference to Khe Sanh was historically inaccurate - Australian forces were not involved in that battle. Thus Schumann changed it to Long Tan, the site of the famous battle involving Australian and New Zealand forces on 18 August 1966. The composer of the song, Don Walker, said that: "he rang me up one day a long time ago and asked if I minded if he did that... I said not only was it absolutely okay with me but good on you". Also on the album were covers of "Mothers, Daughters, Wives" by Judy Small, "Band Played Waltzing Matilda" by Eric Bogle, and " Rachel " by Russell Morris. Other members of the Vagabond Crew are Hugh McDonald, Dave Folley, Kat Kraus, & Mark Kraus. The front cover featured a photo of an Australian First World War era soldier. Note…

Annotation by Justin A. Brummer

Notes

Album of war songs (First and Second World Wars and Vietnam), ABC Music / Universal, 2008. Cover of the Cold Chisel song with Khe Sanh changed to Long Tan, with Don Walker's blessing, because Australian forces did not fight at Khe Sanh.

About the artist

John Schumann - singer-songwriter born 18 May 1953 in Adelaide, South Australia; leader of Redgum (1975-90), writer of "I Was Only 19"; the Vagabond Crew are Hugh McDonald, Dave Folley, Kat Kraus and Mark Kraus.

Themes

ANZUS · Vet · Battle of Long Tan · PTSD

In collections

Australian & New Zealand Songs