I hear this stuff was developed in your city. I also hear it is like spreading tractor grease on two slices of bread. Taste so bad only tough Aussie can eat it. Illegal to bring into the United States. I also understand it can make invisible possums visible again.
I first saw the word in Land Down Under by Men At Work. I sort of get the idea there could be other slang meanings I am unfamiliar with.
As you are the closes thing we have to a Aussie language expert it falls to you to answer the question he said trying to keep a straight face.
In South Africa it is sold as Marmite. Same stuff. It is a yeast extract and has a strong yeasty taste. Great on toast.
We also have a meat extract called Bovril. Strong, meaty, salty taste. Can be eaten on toast or diluted in a cup full of hot water to make a soup.
I enjoy either of them on toast sprinkled liberally with biltong powder. Biltong is the equivalent of your jerky. Biltong powder is the powder produced by a biltong slicing machine.
Firstly, Slight correction needed. Marmite is definitely not Vegemite.
According to Wikipedia, 'Marmite is a food spread made from yeast extract invented by German scientist Justus von Liebig and originally made in the United Kingdom'
Vegemite is jet black with a thick texture similar to other pastes like peanut butter. (Yeah!)
Marmite has more of burnt brown color and a more syrupy consistency, like molasses. (Yuk, who'd eat that?)
Yes, Vegemite. The REAL STUFF. Made in Melbourne. It has been mentioned that it makes Vegemite virgins’ eyes water. Get tough or get out, I guess.
True story: I once worked with a Sax player from Sacramento. He stated that he could look at it, but could never come to eating it. I've got no idea why? There's always a jar of it in this household.
Yes, the song: 'Down Under', the band: 'Men At Work', and the lyrics say it all: "Buying bread from a man in Brussels He was six-foot-four and full of muscles I said, "do you speak-a my language?" He just smiled and gave me a Vegemite sandwich"
Maybe you've got to live here to understand the toughness involved. Aussies don't even think twice.
There's nothing slang about Vegemite. No innuendo at all. Aussies just eat it. VEGEMITE is rich in B Vitamins including B1, B2, B3 and folate to help kick start your day. Vegemite - Tastes like Australia. Get tough!
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Pro & Windows 11, Cakewalk Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Session Keys Grand S & Electric R, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M, Pioneer Active Monitors.
Yes, Marmite! It precedes Vegemite by about 20 years and was first made in England around 1900. I wouldn't say it it has a syrup consistency - it spreads more like butter. It's a by product of beer brewing and it's no accident that Marmite is made in Burton-on-Trent which is also a major brewing area. It's a legend in the UK and it's very much like it or hate it - there's no in between. Full of vitamins but high in salt, so not so good for your blood pressure. Like Kevin, I love it spread thinly on toast or crackers.
Edit- Makes a great snack whilst playing guitar. (Just to keep the thread musical.)
To me, the best food to come out of Australia is Macadamia Nuts. In my 5 weeks there, I'd go into Woolworth's and bring out bags of Macadamias to put in the camper van. Road food supreme.
The very best cheese I've ever tasted was Bega Heritage Vintage Reserve Cheddar. I wish someone would import that to the USA.
I didn't eat the Vegemite, and in the UK I didn't eat the Marmite. They just didn't appeal to me.
I was pretty sure Video Track would set us straight on the subject. It was never my intent for this to be much about food, just to poke fun at the Aussies for their repetition of being tough.
Vegemite was never Illegal to bring into the United States. That is an urban legend. The possums thing is a reference to a book. The first time I ever saw the word was in the song.
My interest in all this is about art, language and how it gets used in music. I am always looking for double entendre and words to use that otherwise would be too socially awkward, sexually suggestive, or offensive to state directly.
Vegemite has a very unusual history and is perhaps much more meaningful to someone from Australia than other countries. I have read other uses of the word that I can not repeat here.
If you write a song and use that word, it pretty much screams Aussie. I also like the term "Vegemite virgins"....may need to find a way to use that in a song...lol
I agree with Videotrack... vegimite is not marmite.
The ONLY way I can eat vegimite is on freshly baked bread that's spread with butter and then the vegimite is just lightly smeared over the butter. It's like a glaze. That works for me.
I also don't mind half-a-teaspoon of vegimite stirred into hot water. It's a kind of instant soup.
As for a thick layer of vegimite on toast.... nope... it's beyond my ability.
Just about every supermarket here in the UK has their own version of Marmite. I once found a jar of Vegemite here in the UK and bought it to see if there was a difference. I prefer it to Marmite, but have not been able to find it in the UK again. Both are the same though, you either love them or hate them.
King Gizz is honestly one of my favourite bands, though I'm not a big fan of that particular song. Check out their album Flying Microtonal Banana, excellent stuff.
Last edited by Simon - PG Music; 08/16/2112:20 PM.
King Gizz is honestly one of my favourite bands, though I'm not a big fan of that particular song. Check out their album Flying Microtonal Banana, excellent stuff.
Yes, Simon, I would have liked the video much better back when I actually had a pair of 3D glasses and other "special effects" I was using at the time...lol
Vegemite :- the real thing. The yeast extract :- from the beer vats. Yep that’s it the black gunk left behind dried out. Tastes alright once you have it a bit. The trick is not to overdo it.
I like in on toast with a slice of cheese. We’re happy little vegemites la la la la.
HP i7-4770 16GB 1TB SSD, Win 10 Home, Focusrite 2i2 3rd Gen, Launchkey 61, Maton CW80, Telecaster, Ovation Elite TX, Yamaha Pacifica 612 BB 2022(912) RB 2022(2), CakeWalk, Reaper 6, Audacity, Melodyne 5 Editor, Izotope Music Production Suite 4.1
When I started this thread I only was thinking about the meaning of the word. I was certainly unaware this Vegemite thing was a British/Australian cultural phenomena. The Australian national dish as it were.
I not sure if we have anything equivalent in the United Stated. There are some amazingly memorable musical sounds from commercials of the 1950's. Here is one that sticks in my mind. https://youtu.be/BWEYjEQ75ZM
Let me explain. I worked for a university and we had visiting faculty from Northern Ireland. They were asked where they would like to go here in Northeastern Ohio. They wanted to see Amish people. I live near the Amish so I got the honors of a road trip.
Got a van and took them to a town noted for their Amish community. The trip included dinner at an "Amish" restaurant. Menu had root beer on it. The folks gravitated to it. I explained it wasn't beer but soda much like Pepsi or Coke.
All ordered root beer.
Everything was fine until the taste testing. It was obvious it was not a hit.
I asked and one lady explained it tasted like a drug I was not familiar with. I asked what was that and she rubbed her elbow like she was putting ointment on her elbow. I said "It tasted like Ben-Gay?" They all said yes together.
To this day I do think of "Ben-Gay" whenever I see or hear of root beer.
Last Chance! The Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® Special Ends Today (May 31, 2026) at 11:59pm PDT!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PDT today!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
Version 2026 introduces a modernized GUI redesign across the program, with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, and a new Dark Mode option. There’s also a new side toolbar for quicker access to commonly used windows, and the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, making it easier to customize your workspace.
Another exciting new addition is the amazing new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. View the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to transcribe an entire track or transcribe specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Mac® to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac upgrade during our special, you'll receive a Free Bonus PAK of exciting new add-ons.
If you need any help deciding which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We are here to help!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Special Offers Extended Until May 31st!
Good news- we've extended our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® special offers until May 31, 2026!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 is packed with major new features, enhancements, and an incredible lineup of new content! The program now sports a sleek, modern GUI redesign across the entire interface, including updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, a new dark mode option, and more. The brand-new side toolbar provides quicker access to key windows, while the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, creating a flexible, clutter-free workspace. We have an amazing new “AI-Notes” feature. This transcribes polyphonic audio into MIDI so you can view it in notation or play it back as MIDI. You can transcribe an entire track (all pitched instruments and drums) or focus on individual parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PDT on May 31st, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Check out the Band-in-a-Box® for Mac packages page to find the best package for you.
Today's the Last Day of the Band-in-a-Box 2026® for Mac Special!
Order before 11:59pm PDT today (May 15, 2026) to save up to 50% off your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrade and receive a FREE Bonus PAK loaded with great new Add-ons to use with this new version!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac - Special Offers End at 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th, 2026!
Order before 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th and SAVE up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 for Mac Upgrade packages... and that's not all! With your version 2026 for Mac purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks... that's 222 NEW RealTracks available with version Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac!
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® today for as little as $49! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all available purchase options.
Learn more about the Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK here.
If you have any questions about which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We're here to help!
202 New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2026!
With Band-in-a-Box® 2026, we've released 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 468-488) in a variety of genres—featuring your most requested styles!
Jazz, Funk & World (Sets 468-475):
Our new jazz, funk & blues RealTracks include a groovin’ collection of RealTracks and RealDrums! These include more requested “soul jazz” RealTracks featuring artists Neil Swainson (bass), Charles Treadway (organ), Brent Mason (guitar), and Wes Little (drums). There are new “smooth jazz” styles (4), which include a RealTracks first: muted trumpet, as well as slick new smooth jazz brushes options for drums. Blues lovers will be thrilled—there are more “classic acoustic blues” styles, including guitar (5), bass (4), and drums (10) with blues master Colin Linden, featuring understated and tasty background acoustic soloing, plus brushes drums and acoustic bass. There are also new electric blues RealTracks, including electric blues with PG favorite Johnny Hiland (3) and soulful electric slide guitar from Colin Linden (4). If you love funk & gospel, there are great new options this year, including gospel organ (3) from Charles Treadway, as well as new funk, tango, and rock ’n’ roll drums (3) and bass (1). And for big, bold arrangements, we have uptempo soul horns (4) featuring a three-part hip horn section with options for a full mix or stems of each individual horn — plus an accompanying rhythm section (4) of drums, bass, guitar, and electric piano!
Rock & Pop (Sets 476–482):
Our new rock & pop RealTracks bring a powerful mix of requested favorites, fresh genres, and modern chart-inspired styles! We have more of our popular “Producer Layered Acoustic Guitars (15)” featuring Band-in-a-Box favorite Brent Mason. We’ve continued our much-requested disco styles (10), and added new Celtic guitar (5) with a more basic, accessible approach than our previous Drop-D or DADGAD offerings. There are also highly requested yacht rock styles (17), inspired by the smooth, polished soft-rock sound of the late ’70s and early ’80s — laid-back grooves, silky electric pianos, warm textures, elegant harmonic movement, and pristine production aesthetics. Fans of heavier styles will love our new glam metal (13), capturing the flashy, high-energy sound of ’80s arena-ready guitar rock. We also have a set of rootsy modern-folk rock (18), with a warm, organic sound combining contemporary folk textures and driving acoustic strumming. And we’ve added lots of new modern pop styles (16) — the kinds of sounds you’re hearing on the radio today, featuring exciting new drums, synths, and cutting-edge RealTracks arrangements.
Country, & Americana (Sets 483–488):
Our new country & Americana RealTracks deliver a rich collection of acoustic, electric, and roots-inspired styles! We have new country pop (9) with legendary guitarist Brent Mason. There is also a potpourri (14) of bouzouki, guitars, banjo, and more, perfect for adding texture and character to contemporary acoustic arrangements. We’ve added funky country guitar (5) with PG favorite Brent Mason, along with classic pedal steel styles (5) featuring steel great Doug Jernigan. There are more country songwriter styles (8) that provide intimate, rootsy foundations for storytelling and modern Americana writing. Finally, we have “background soloing” acoustic guitar (12) with Brent Mason — simpler, but still very tasty acoustic lines designed to sit beautifully behind vocals or act as a subtle standalone solo part.
And, if you are looking for more, the 2026 49-PAK (for $49) includes an impressive collection of 20 bonus RealTracks, featuring exciting and inspiring additions to add to your RealTracks library. You'll get new country-rhythm guitar styles from PG Music favorites Johnny Hiland and Brent Mason, along with modern-pop grooves that capture today’s radio-ready sound! There are also new indie-folk styles with guitar, bass, 6-string bass used as a high-chording instrument, acoustic guitar, and banjo. Plus, dedicated "cymbal fills" RealDrums provide an added layer that work very well with low-key folky styles with other percussion.
The 2026 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2026 49-PAK!
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
With your version 2026 for Mac Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons for FREE! Or upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for only $49 to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks!
These PAKs are loaded with additional add-ons to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box®!
This Free Bonus PAK includes:
The 2026 RealCombos Booster PAK:
-For Pro customers, this includes 27 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For MegaPAK customers, this includes 25 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For UltraPAK customers, this includes 12 new RealStyles.
MIDI Styles Set 92: Look Ma! More MIDI 15: Latin Jazz
MIDI SuperTracks Set 46: Piano & Organ
Instrumental Studies Set 24: Groovin' Blues Soloing
Artist Performance Set 19: Songs with Vocals 9
Playable RealTracks Set 5
RealDrums Stems Set 9: Cool Brushes
SynthMaster Sounds Set 1 (with audio demos)
iOS Android Band-in-a-Box® App
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyle.
FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
MIDI Styles Set 93: Look Ma! More MIDI 16: SynthMaster
MIDI SuperTracks Set 47: More SynthMaster
Instrumental Studies 25 - Soul Jazz Guitar Soloing
Artist Performance Set 20: Songs with Vocals 10
RealDrums Stems Set 10: Groovin' Sticks
SynthMaster Sounds & Styles Set 2 (sounds & styles with audio demos)
One of our representatives will be happy to help you over the phone. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday, and 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST Saturday. We are closed Sunday. You can also send us your questions via email.
One of our representatives will be happy to help you on our Live Chat or by email. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday; 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST (GMT -8) Saturday; Closed Sunday.
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean