Eric Bogle facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Eric Bogle
Bogle during the Festival Interceltique de Lorient in 2016
Background information
Born	(1944-09-23) 23 September 1944 (age 80) Peebles, Scotland
Genres	Folk
Occupation(s)	Singer-songwriter
Associated acts	John Campbell Munro

Eric Bogle, born on September 23, 1944, is a famous Australian folk singer and songwriter. He was born in Scotland but moved to Australia when he was 25 years old. He settled near Adelaide, South Australia. Many artists have sung his songs, which cover lots of different topics. Two of his most famous songs are "No Man's Land" (also known as "The Green Fields of France") and "And the Band Played Waltzing Matilda". In 2001, "And the Band Played Waltzing Matilda" was even named one of the top 30 Australian songs ever!

Eric Bogle's Early Life

Eric Bogle was born in Peebles, Scotland, on September 23, 1944. His dad worked on the railway and played the bagpipes. Eric started writing poems when he was just eight years old. After school, he worked different jobs like a labourer, clerk, and barman.

In 1969, he moved to Australia. He first lived in Canberra and worked as an accountant. He was interested in politics. By 1980, he had moved to Queensland before settling in Adelaide.

Eric Bogle's Music Career

Bogle on stage at the 1994 Tamar Valley Folk Festival, George Town, Australia

Eric Bogle taught himself to play the guitar. He joined a skiffle and rock band. In Scotland, he was the leader of a band called Eric and the Informers. Early on, he was inspired by musicians like Lonnie Donegan and Elvis Presley.

Before moving to Australia, he started focusing on folk music. His first songs were about his parents. One song, "Leaving Nancy," was about the day he left home for Australia. It was the last time he saw his mother, Nancy. Many groups, like the Dubliners, have sung this song. When he lived in Canberra, he joined the local folk music scene and performed sometimes.

Songs About War

Many of Eric Bogle's most famous songs talk about how sad and pointless war can be. One of these is "And The Band Played Waltzing Matilda", which he wrote in 1971. Famous singers like Joan Baez have sung this song. The lyrics tell the story of an Australian soldier in the Battle of Gallipoli during World War I. Some people also see it as a song about the Vietnam War.

Another well-known song is "No Man's Land". This song is also about World War I. It is often called "The Green Fields of France". The song mentions a traditional Scottish tune played over the grave of a World War I soldier. Eric Bogle purposely gave the soldier an Irish name, Willie McBride. He did this to go against the anti-Irish feelings that were common in Britain during the 1970s. Many artists have covered this song in different languages. Former British prime minister Tony Blair even called it his favorite anti-war poem in 2003.

"As if he Knows" (2001) is another song about the sadness of war. It describes Australian soldiers in Palestine in 1918. They had to shoot their horses before leaving, which was a very sad moment.

"My Youngest Son Came Home Today" is a song about a young man killed during fighting in Northern Ireland. The song does not pick sides in the conflict. It doesn't say if the character is a nationalist or a loyalist.

Other Song Themes

Eric Bogle's songs cover many different topics. He has funny songs like "The Aussie Bar-B-Q". He also writes serious songs about life, like "Now I'm Easy". His song "Safe in the Harbour" is a tribute to singer Stan Rogers. "Katie and the Dreamtime Land" is a tribute to American folk singer Kate Wolf, who passed away in 1986. He also wrote songs about his pets, "Little Gomez" and "Nobody's Moggy Now". He even has a song for his fans called "Do You Sing Any Dylan?".

In 2000, a big five-CD collection of his music called Singing The Spirit Home was released. His first live performance DVD came out in May 2009.

Eric Bogle's Tours and Performances

Bogle (left) with John Munro in Watford during their 2009 farewell tour

Since 1985, Eric Bogle has toured the UK every three years. Sometimes he also performs in Europe. These tours often included other Australian singers and musicians, like John Munro. Eric Bogle said his 2009 tour with John Munro would be his last overseas tour.

More recently, his tours in Australia have included musicians Emma Luker (fiddle) and Pete Titchener (guitar/bass). Eric Bogle has been a popular artist at the National Folk Festival in Canberra. He also performs regularly at the Port Fairy Folk Festival in Victoria.

Many other artists have sung Eric Bogle's songs. These include Joan Baez, Donovan, the Dubliners, The Pogues, and Billy Bragg. In May 2001, his song "And the Band Played Waltzing Matilda" was named one of the top 30 Australian songs of all time. This was part of the 75th anniversary celebrations for the Australasian Performing Right Association.

Eric Bogle's Albums

Studio Albums

Live Albums

Compilations

Videos

Eric Bogle's Awards

On January 25, 1987, Eric Bogle was given the Order of Australia award. This was "In recognition of service to the performing arts as a song writer and singer."

ARIA Music Awards

The ARIA Music Awards are big awards in Australia for music. They started in 1987.

Mo Awards

The Australian Entertainment Mo Awards recognized live entertainment in Australia. Eric Bogle won one of these awards.

National Folk Festival

Tamworth Songwriters Association

The Tamworth Songwriters Association (TSA) holds a yearly contest for country songs. Eric Bogle has won three awards from them.