Classic Redgum Protest Song 'I Was Only 19' & More Added To National Archive

Popular Adelaide '80s act Redgum's most recognised track I Was Only 19 is one of ten songs that have been added to the National Film & Sound Archive Of Australia's Sounds Of Australia for 2015. 

The song written in 1983 by the band's frontman John Schumann is based on experiences he had heard from veterans of the Vietnam war and not only is it considered a national favourite, but it is also featured in APRA's top 30 Australian songs of all time.

"Much has been said about 19," Schumann said of the song's inclusion into Sounds Of Australia.

"That it helped bring our Vietnam veterans home. That it precipitated a Royal Commission. That it changed forever the way we Australians think about the men and women we send to fight our wars. These things are for others to say, not me. For me, I Was Only 19 has been an amazing gift, and I'm delighted that it has been identified as one of the Sounds of Australia. It’s a great honour."

Other inclusions this year include Hoodoo Gurus' 1985 track Like Wow — Wipeout, Allive & Brilliant by rock singer Deborah Conway, hip hop trio Hilltop Hoods' Nosebleed Section and LSD by Adelaide producer, DJ HMC.

Nominations for 2016 are now open. For more details, including a look at all the 2015 inclusions, click here.