In January 2012, Williamson released "The Big Red". The first two singles lifted from the work are "Hang My Hat in Queensland" and the title track. Early in 2013 "Prairie Hotel Parachilna" was released. In 2013, a new two-disc set of John's hits, "Hell of a Career" was released. In 2014, Williamson released his fiftieth album (including compilations) called "Honest People", as well as writing his autobiography, issued by Penguin. Both were released on 25 July 2014. As well as this, he made his debut as an exhibitionist painter. In 2014, it was announced by John via "A Current Affair" that he has been diagnosed with prostate cancer.