![]() ![]() Intense, chaotic, tactless, driven, at times heavy handed. Though he inspired many in truth John was complex – an impossible, absurd mix of contradictions. John referred to art as ‘the nerve ends of the soul’ coupling his commitment to artists alongside a rage against injustice, racism, treatment of indigenous people, inequality. His empathy with artists and passion for, and knowledge of art was infectious. Which is maybe why a generation of Greenbelt audiences loved him. Ten minutes with Smith and you might cover protons and particle physics, Hamlet, Tolstoy, Lady Gaga, alongside youth homelessness, or marine conservation. A walk round the neighbourhood and he introduced varieties of grass, types of eucalyptus, the hidden or ignored revealed and celebrated. John was unusual – a genuine, old school polymath. For a time U2’s Bono and Edge adopted Smithy as unofficial chaplain, and his followers grew. The book and his Greenbelt talks became best-sellers. It was a revelation. John returned to Greenbelt in ‘87 to launch his autobiography. I first heard about Smithy from a biker in a Stockport tower block in ‘87 who gave me a tape of his ’86 Greenbelt talks as we sipped sherry. It was John’s blend of intellect, passion and a fearless oratory that helped grow a loyal UK following – that, along with the cassette tape. He first spoke at Greenbelt in 1986, the year of Hurricane Charlie, attending the festival with his beloved family and close friends, the Maddocks. If you made it to Greenbelt in the late 80s and early 90’s you’d have struggled to miss John. John brought a distinctive comment on social, cultural and ethical issues, challenging his audience to find meaning beyond consumption and materialism. Alongside friendships with outsiders John co-founded churches, organisations and social welfare programmes, penetrating Aussie media long after interest in the Squad had moved on. John embraced the rituals of the outlaw biker with a compassion and commitment, that helped grow the Squad’s credibility. As the beard grew, the leathers scuffed and outlaw bikers defected to Gods Squad, so the club established its reputation across Australia as a legitimate ‘outlaw’ gang. In the early 70s John ditched the Methodist minister suit and tie, grew his hair and a beard, switching to boots, leather and skins, embracing the outlaw bike scene. Former Greenbelt Chair of Trustees Andy Turner pays tribute to the late, great John Smith …įriend and regular to the festival in the 1980s and 90s, Ozzie theologian and activist John Smith has died.
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