The man accused of “murdering” the national anthem at State of Origin has sparked further backlash after declaring he would not change a thing about his performance.
Country singer Robbie Mortimer defiantly stuck two fingers up, quite literally, at fans who mocked his rendition of “Advance Australia Fair” in Sydney on Wednesday night.
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Watch the performance of the national anthem via the video player above
He shared his pride at being bestowed the honour of singing the anthem at Origin 1 and thanked the portion of the public who shared positive comments and encouragement.
“Sang the anthem, survived the internet,” wrote Mortimer in a social media post.
“An absolute honour to sing our national anthem at Australia’s biggest sporting event in front of 80,000 proud and vocal Aussies and 5 million people on TV
“The overwhelming amount of love, kindness and encouragement I’ve received since walking off that field has far outweighed anything else. That’s what I’ll remember.
“So today I stand with my head held high, proud of the moment, proud of where I come from, and I wouldn’t change a f******* thing about it!
“Love will always drown out the noise. ️
“‘An eye for an eye makes the whole world go blind.’”
However his message has not been met with the response he would have hoped for, as many fans took the opportunity to stick the boot in once again.
“It was the worst Australian anthem, sorry mate it was bad,” wrote one fan.
Another added: “Think he is a butcher not a singer.”
A third commented: “Worst thing I’ve heard this side of earth’s formation.”
Another remarked: “So you’re the dude who murdered the anthem hahaha.”
However, those quick to criticise Mortimer ignore the fact he has a unique voice, and that is what has made him popular in the country music space.
He also comes from rugby league stock with his father, Peter Mortimer, alongside uncles Steve and Chris, part of folklore at the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs.
Last year, Steve Mortimer’s daughter, Erin, sang the national anthem ahead of Game 3, on the 40th anniversary of Mortimer’s famous triumph with the Blues in the 1985 Origin series – the first time NSW lifted the shield.
And not everyone was eager to knock Mortimer, with some on social media sharing their appreciation of his performance.
“Mate, you removed your hat; placed it over your heart and sang our national anthem with pride. That’s good enough for me,” wrote on fan.
“Your rendition might not have been everyone’s cup of tea, but you are proud to be an Australian, as I’m sure we all are. I’m proud to be an Australian when I see someone holding an Akubra over their heart and giving the anthem their all. So thank you for your performance.”
Another added: “Your pitch was excellent! I’ve done half time at ANZ stadium and the sound it tough to work with. People have no clue, you did an excellent job! The bonus is, people hear your name, and they can’t help but look at your other music… I dare say you will have many more fans! Any publicity is good publicity. All the best xx”
A third wrote: “Well sung! We were in the crowd and loved it.
“Take no notice of the “wits” who wouldn’t know an artist if they fell over one!”
