JUDITH DURHAM, AO (1943 - 2022)
Official Media Release
It is with overwhelming sadness that Musicoast Pty. Ltd. and Universal Music Australia announce the death of international music legend Judith Durham, aged 79.
After a brief stay in the Alfred Hospital, Judith was admitted to Palliative Care on Friday 5 August, where she passed away peacefully that evening. Her death was a result of complications from a long-standing chronic lung disease.
In making the announcement, Judith’s biographer and The Seekers management team member Graham Simpson said: “This is a sad day for Judith’s family, her fellow Seekers, the staff of Musicoast, the music industry and fans worldwide, and all of us who have been part of Judith’s life for so long.”
Judith’s beloved sister Beverley Sheehan spoke of the closeness they shared throughout life, including their love of music. “Judith’s joy for life, her constant optimism, creativity and generosity of spirit were always an inspiration to me.”
Judith’s nephew Tony Sheehan – speaking for his brother Ben and sister Belinda - said, “We have been blessed to share our lives with her.”
On behalf of Keith Potger AO and Bruce Woodley AO, Athol Guy AO said, “Our lives are changed forever losing our treasured lifelong friend and shining star. Her struggle was intense and heroic - never complaining of her destiny and fully accepting its conclusion. Her magnificent musical legacy Keith, Bruce and I are so blessed to share.”
George Ash, President, Universal Music Australia and New Zealand said: “Great artists become part of our fabric and our extended family, and Judith Durham was no exception. She was a force of nature, constantly energised with a passion for music and life. We were all privileged to have known Judith and heard her heavenly voice. We are deeply saddened by her passing and will miss her dearly.”
Cyrus Meher-Homji, OAM, Senior Vice President, Classics & Jazz at Universal Music Australia and New Zealand said: “How would a five-year-old understand the message and spirit of The Carnival Is Over? Perhaps not, but that is the age at which I first encountered Judith Durham and The Seekers, and I was entranced. In 2011, we at Universal Music Australia were lucky enough to sign Judith Durham to Decca Australia, at which time Judith wrote of her happiness, knowing that ‘the Universal/Decca family now also hold on to my dream and mission to uplift and bring happiness to music fans around the world’. High above, the dawn awaits you, Judith. Your artistry will forever be enshrined in our souls.”
We wish to acknowledge and thank the dedicated team of doctors and nurses at Alfred Hospital for their outstanding care and compassion.
Judith’s family has asked for privacy at this time.
Photo credit Elizabeth Hawkes
THE SEEKERS RELEASE THEIR 2014 UK FAREWELL TOUR ALBUM & DVD - OUT NOW!
ALBUM & DVD RELEASED ON DECCA RECORDS ON 2 JULY
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Four months after the sold-out success of The Seekers’ Golden Jubilee ‘Farewell’ Tour of Australia in late 2013, the group and their team reconvened to do it all again in the United Kingdom in 2014, winding their way through Wales, Scotland and England with a 15-date sold-out tour. When Judith Durham, Athol Guy, Keith Potger and Bruce Woodley took to the stage for the last time, the audience was on its feet clapping and cheering for several minutes before they even sang a note. Far from any sense of sadness or regret, the mood on this tour was one of celebration and appreciation, both for the group and their loyal fans. This historic Album & DVD marks the final time that Australian music phenomenon The Seekers toured in the country where their global success story began. The DVD 'Live In The UK' contains a never-before-seen 30-min interview with all four members of The Seekers, reminiscing about their hit songs and previous tours around the world. |
The Seekers Merchandise
Rare and must-have Seekers memorabilia – perfect additions for any Seekers fans! Treat yourself, or your loved ones, to a range of products from hand signed coffee table books, to collector's edition posters and the newly released DVD "The Legendary Television Specials".
THE SEEKERS LAUNCH VOLUME 2 OF THREE-ALBUM SERIES OF THEIR ‘HIDDEN TREASURES’
Lost Classics and Rarities from Australia’s Own Fab Four!
Including concert audio of the seminal 1968 tour of New Zealand, when Judith made the monumental announcement that she was leaving the band
RELEASED ON DECCA RECORDS ON 30 OCTOBER 2020
Following the highly successful first volume of 'Hidden Treasures' released earlier this year, legendary Australian band The Seekers are set to release the second album of lost classics and rarities, via Decca Records on 30 October 2020.
In addition to the CD, Volume 2 includes rare and previously unpublished footage on DVD of the band's 1967 headline performance at Pop Goes Australia concert series at the Expo Theatre in Montreal, Canada.
Judith Durham, Athol Guy, Keith Potger and Bruce Woodley first came together at the tail end of 1962 for gigs and residencies around their hometown of Melbourne. How amazing to think they’ll celebrate their Diamond Anniversary in 2022!
The first six tracks from this album are from the Pop Goes Australia concert which, as one of the biggest pop acts in the world, The Seekers headlined and were supported by other Australian luminaries including Normie Rowe, Don Burrows and famed boomerang thrower Frank Donnellan.
As with the previous Hidden Treasures album, the band has uncovered some rare studio recordings from the early days of the group's existence, including those where they are the uncredited backup singers for Adrian Ussher and Pam Bradley. Forgotten jingles for radio 3AK and travel group Pacesetter Travel are also included.
It was during the February 1968 tour of New Zealand that Judith Durham finally summoned the courage to tell the boys she was leaving the group and gave the agreed six-months-notice. The audio from the concert tour is of significant value and is included here.
Many fans around the world were first introduced to The Seekers via their eponymous song in the hit film Georgy Girl, released in 1966. Included here are the two versions of ‘Georgy Girl’ (recorded before The Seekers’ international hit version), lifted from the film’s opening and closing sequences. There are crowd noises, even Georgy’s baby crying – on the soundtrack!
As with the previous volume, Seekers archivist Graham Simpson offers fascinating insights into those heady times, and the booklet includes rare and fascinating photographs and memorabilia – a must for every Seekers fan.
TRACK LISTING
Expo ’67, Montreal, Canada, 1967
1. COME THE DAY
2. WHEN THE STARS BEGIN TO FALL
3. RED RUBBER BALL
4. A WORLD OF OUR OWN
5. GEORGY GIRL
6. OPEN UP THEM PEARLY GATES
Studio Recordings, Melbourne
7. THE OLD APPLE TREE (PAM &ADE)
8. COME ON BABY (ADRIAN USSHER)
9. TALK BACK TREMBLING LIPS (ADRIAN USSHER)
10. THE WARM WINTER SOUNDS OF 3AK (JINGLE)
11. PACESETTER TRAVEL (JINGLE)
Christchurch Tour, February 1968
12. RATTLER
13. WHEN WILL THE GOOD APPLES FALL?
14. DOWN BY THE RIVERSIDE
‘Georgy Girl’ – The Film:
Opening & Closing Sequences
15. GEORGY GIRL (OPENING SEQUENCE)
16. GEORGY GIRL (CLOSING SEQUENCE)
