Indigenous Australian songwriter and activist Archie Roach has been hailed as a “brave” and “powerful” truth-teller as leading figures in politics and the arts mourn his death.
Roach died at the age of 66, after a long illness, surrounded by his family and loved ones at Warrnambool Base Hospital.
“We are heartbroken to announce the passing of Gunditjmara (Kirrae Whurrong/Djab Wurrung), Bundjalung Senior Elder, singer and storyteller Archie Roach,” his family announced on Saturday afternoon.
Roach’s death has prompted praise for the activist and musician, who focused the nation’s attention on the horrors of the Stolen Generations with his song Took the Children Away.
Olympic athlete Cathy Freeman described Roach as a “champion of First Nations and all humanity”.
“I will remember (uncle) Archie Roach as such a brave storyteller and a remarkable musician,” he said. “You will never forget.”
I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of a champion for First Nations people and all humanity. I will remember (Uncle) Archie Roach as such a brave storyteller and a remarkable musician! You will never forget. Rest in peace. Sincere condolences to the entire family. pic.twitter.com/7OVBfvRldw
— Cathy Freeman (@CathyFreeman) July 30, 2022
Australian music legend Paul Kelly, who had worked with Roach from the early days of his music career, simply wrote:
“Archie Roach. Big tree down. Crying in the woods.”
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Billy Bragg, who also worked with Roach, said his death was a loss “for all of us who believe that music can be used as a tool to seek justice.”
“I am sorry to hear of the passing of the great Indigenous Australian songwriter and activist Archie Roach,” said the British musician and activist.
“His death is not only a loss for Australia, but also for all of us who believe that music can be used as a tool to seek justice.”
I am sorry to hear of the passing of the great Indigenous Australian composer and activist Archie Roach. His death is not only a loss for Australia, but also for all of us who believe that music can be used as a tool to seek justice. https://t.co/iAxDD6CUO6
— Billy Bragg (@billybragg) July 30, 2022
Linda Burney, the minister for Indigenous Australians, said Roach was “one of our nation’s greatest and truest singers” and a “giant of the Australian music industry and our mob”.
“For many Australians, Archie was their first exposure to the horrors of the Stolen Generations.
“Her voice, her music and her story came from trauma and pain.
“His powerful songs also brought people together. They provided strength and still serve as a source of healing, putting into words what was indescribable.
“We are all very saddened by his death.”
‘His music brought people together’: Archie Roach performing. Photograph: Bob King/Redferns
Greens Senator Lidia Thorpe spoke of the important role Roach played in bringing healing and peace to Indigenous communities.
“Uncle Archie, thank you for validating the trauma felt in our communities since colonization,” he said. “Your music brought us healing and peace. May our ancestors protect and guide you.”
The First People’s Assembly of Victoria, the state’s democratic voice for Indigenous Australians, said there were no “adequate words to sum up the loss … to the community, the nation or indeed the world”. .
Uncle Archie, thank you for validating the trauma felt in our communities since colonization. Your music brought us peace and health. May our ancestors protect and guide you.
Aunt Ruby Hunter and Uncle Archie Roach celebrated + played at my 21st. So honored
Rest in power✊🏾 pic.twitter.com/TKwPnhzar3
— Senator Lidia Thorpe (@SenatorThorpe) July 31, 2022
Roach suffered a stroke and battled lung cancer after the death of his wife Ruby in 2010. He continued to perform even after having a lung removed.
Roach’s debut album, Charcoal Lane, released in 1990, and the track Took the Children Away helped define his career. He released nine studio albums, as well as film soundtracks, compilations and live albums. His November 2019 album, Tell Me Why, became his first to reach the top 10 nationally.
Uncle Archie Roach was our most powerful teller of truth. His songs were an expression of spirit; a form of justice in his own words. I am so grateful for Munjana, Take the Children Away, Never Blood, Beautiful Child and many more (these are just my favorites). RIP Uncle Archie.
— Amy McQuire (@amymcquire) July 30, 2022
The death of the elder Gunditjmara-Bundjalung was confirmed by his sons Amos and Eban Roach.
“We are very proud of all that our father achieved in his exceptional life,” the couple said.
“He was a healer and a unifying force. His music brought people together.”
Archie Roach was a remarkable musician, activist and storyteller. His music and his life will leave a mark on our nation forever. Thinking of your loved ones at this sad time. pic.twitter.com/qOFXdIPxj4
— Tanya Plibersek (@tanya_plibersek) July 30, 2022
On Saturday night, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the nation was mourning the loss of a “brilliant talent, a powerful and prolific bearer of national truth”.
“Archie’s music came from a well of trauma and pain, but flowed with a beauty and resonance that moved us all,” Albanese said in a social media post.
“We mourn his passing, honor his life and hope that his words, music and indomitable spirit will live on to guide and inspire us.”