TV Doco On Archie Roach’s Iconic ‘Into The Bloodstream’ Concert Airing Tonight

Tonight’s episode of Days Like These… With Diesel will be one of the most powerful in the series.

Airing at 8:30pm on ABC TV Plus and ABC iView, the episode will feature legendary Gunditjmara (Kirrae Whurrong/Djab Wurrung), Bundjalung songwriter and storyteller Archie Roach and one of his many incredible concerts.

“I feel extremely lucky to have crossed paths with Uncle Archie Roach,” host Mark Lizotte (aka Diesel) said.

“His Into The Bloodstream concert was a triumph on so many levels, and to be able to unpack it with him was a highlight in this series for me.

“Uncle Archie simply left this earth a much better place for having been in it.”

Days Like These returned with an episode last week on Eurogliders’ memorable performance at Hordern Pavilion in Sydney in 1984, after earlier this year featuring Jet, Baby Animals, Hunters & Collectors, The Angels, Diesel, Rose Tattoo and Jimmy Barnes.

Earlier this week, Victorian Premier Dan Andrews confirmed that Archie Roach would be given a state funeral.

The influential figure, who passed away in July, will be farewelled and celebrated at a free ticketed event at Sidney Myer Music Bowl on December 15, which will also be live-streamed.

Archie Roach passed away following a spell of long illness at Warrnambool Base Hospital surrounded by his family and loved ones.

The news was revealed via a statement posted to his Facebook page from Amos and Eban Roach on behalf of the Roach Family.

"Archie wanted all of his many fans to know how much he loves you for supporting him along the way,” the statement said.

"We are so proud of everything our dad achieved in his remarkable life. He was a healer and unifying force. His music brought people together.”

Roach's catalogue and activisim took him to considerable heights including being inducted into the Victorian Aboriginal Honour Roll in 2011. He was also honoured in the Queen's Birthday Honours list as a Member of the Order of Australia, was named 2020 Victorian Australian of the year.

This year, two pillar-shaped monuments were erected on the shores of Lake Bonney at Barmera to honour him and his wife Ruby Hunter who passed away in 2010.

Back in August, family, friends and fans paid tribute to the legend, gathering in the streets of Collingwood, Fitzroy and St Kilda as Archie Roach, escorted by the Southern Warriors Aboriginal Motorcycle Club, Amos and Eban Roach, made one final journey through the streets of Narrm/Melbourne on his way to Warrnambool, his final resting place.