A touching tribute to a radio legend: John Laws' state funeral.
The iconic broadcaster, known as 'the Golden Tonsils', was farewelled in a unique and memorable way. Russell Crowe, a close friend and neighbor, brought an unexpected twist to the traditional funeral, showcasing the multifaceted nature of Laws' life and legacy.
In a heartfelt eulogy, Crowe highlighted Laws' remarkable talent, loyalty, and even his political views, including the infamous cash-for-comment scandal. But it was the personal touch that truly stood out. Crowe shared a heartwarming story about a bottle of bourbon, a gift from Laws to his son, which transformed an afternoon tea into a celebration.
"The card read, 'To Charlie from John.' It was a bottle of Wild Turkey, and that's when the real party began," Crowe recalled.
Laws' golden microphone, a symbol of his seven-decade career, rested on his coffin during the service. Paul Warren, a friend of 55 years, described Laws as more than just a broadcaster. He was a jack-of-all-trades: a songwriter, singer, film actor, and even a guest star on 'Skippy.'
"He could sell anything, from Valvoline to Toyotas. He was a poet, a music promoter, and a true entertainer," Warren said.
Laws' impact was immense, with over 2 million listeners at his peak and an incredible 92 radio surveys won in a row. He interviewed numerous political leaders, including 16 prime ministers.
Among the 800 mourners were former Prime Minister John Howard, Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce, and other notable figures like trucking billionaire Lindsay Fox and Olympian Dawn Fraser.
Reverend Michael Jensen shared a personal anecdote, revealing how he encouraged Laws to read the Bible after the death of his wife, Caroline. Despite his wealth and love for life's luxuries, Laws maintained a connection with the common people.
"He spoke the language of Walgett fluently, even though he was from Woolloomooloo," Jensen said.
Crowe, who lived near Laws for 23 years, emphasized their differing perspectives, yet their strong friendship.
"We often disagreed, but it never stopped us from enjoying each other's company and sharing a laugh. He had an artist's eye, a journalist's nose, and a lion's heart," Crowe said.
The funeral also featured a performance by singer John Williamson, who sang 'True Blue' in honor of Laws.
Crowe's tribute was a perfect blend of humor and respect, capturing the essence of Laws' complex personality. He addressed the contrast between Laws' strong opinions on air and his kindhearted nature off-air.
"He was a showman, an entertainer, and he finished every debate with a reminder to 'be kind to each other.' That's the true measure of the man," Crowe concluded.
And this is the part most people miss: Laws' legacy is not just about his professional achievements, but also about the personal connections he made and the impact he had on those around him.
So, what do you think? Was Laws' funeral a fitting tribute to his life? Let's discuss in the comments and share our thoughts on this unique and controversial figure.
