Australia Mourns The Passing of Archie Roach

Musicians from Australia and beyond have all paid tribute to legendary Uncle Archie Roach. A mentor, inspiration and supporter for so many artists, both Indigenous and non-Indigenous, Archie Roach changed the trajectory of First Nations music and its place in the national psyche and artists have taken to social media to pay tribute to a true pioneer. Passing at the age of 66, Roach and his wife Ruby Hunter became inspirational across generations, from their contemporaries who identified with their lived experiences through to younger generations who learned from Roach's stories and song, even as recently as this year's NAIDOC Week performance for triple j's 'Like A Version'. 

Roach's passing has been noted beyond music, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese among the first to pay tribute to one of our nation's most important leaders along with others from across Australian life. 

ANTHONY ALBANESE

DAN ANDREWS

GRACE TAME

BRIGGS

EMILY WURRAMARA

JOHN BUTLER

BARKAA

ALICE SKYE

AMY SHARK

On a 5 hour drive today, Shane and I randomly listened to Archie Roach’s 'Jamu Dreaming' from start to finish. Discussing how heartbreakingly beautiful the song ‘walking into doors’ is. I was so lucky to have performed with this legend. I’m so sad to now hear of his passing. 😞

— Amy Shark (@amyshark) July 30, 2022

NATIONAL INDIGENOUS MUSIC AWARDS

WILLIAM CRIGHTON

MELBOURNE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

SHANE HOWARD