Archie Roach, Australian singer-songwriter and campaigner, dies aged 66
Archie Roach, the Indigenous Australian songwriter whose celebrated songRoach died at Warrnambool Base hospital after a long illness.
“We are heartbroken to announce the passing of Gunditjmara , Bundjalung Senior Elder, songman and storyteller Archie Roach,” his sons Amos and Eban Roach announced in a statement on behalf of the Roach family. “We thank all the staff who have cared for Archie over the past month. Archie wanted all of his many fans to know how much he loves you for supporting him along the way. 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.”Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said: “Tonight we mourn the passing of Archie Roach. Our country has lost a brilliant talent, a powerful and prolific national truth teller.
“Archie’s music drew from a well of trauma and pain, but it flowed with a beauty and a resonance that moved us all. We grieve for his death, we honour his life and we hold to the hope that his words, his music and his indomitable spirit will live on to guide us and inspire us.”Our country has lost a brilliant talent, a powerful and prolific national truth teller.