The Passing of a Great Australian Songman

Rest in Power, Archie Roach

Archie Roach’s music is an important part in Australian consciousness. Photo by Tumisu — Pixabay License.

Warning: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised that this story contains the names and images of people who have passed away.

On 30 July 2022, Archie Roach passed away. He was surrounded by family and loved ones.

I knew his health hadn’t been good, but I was still shocked and saddened to hear the news.

Archie Roach has been a stalwart of the Australian music scene since I started listening to music. The number of performances he gave and the number of people he worked with was beyond impressive. He performed with the likes of Billy Bragg, Bob Dylan, Joan Armatrading, Leonard Cohen, Patti Smith, Paul Kelly, Rodriguez, Suzanne Vega and Tracy Chapman, just to name a few.

My friends and I are on a group chat reminiscing about all the concerts we’ve been honoured to see. Definitely a few performances at WOMADelaide, Adelaide’s music and cultural festival — one of my favourite festivals. There, we saw Archie perform with Black Arm Band and his late wife, Ruby Hunter. We’ve also seen him perform at Melbourne’s Northcote Social Club. That was a rollicking good night.

Archie’s performances were always moving, fun and full of excellent singing and guitaring.