Renowned Aboriginal singer Archie Roach has died at the age of 66 after battling a long-term illness.
Loved ones confirmed the Gunditjmara and Bundjalung elder was surrounded by friends and family at Victoria’s Warrnambool Base Hospital where he passed.
His sons, Amos and Eban Roach, said they were ‘heartbroken’ to announce the death of their ‘songman and storyteller’ dad on Saturday.
They gave permission for his name and picture to be used ‘so that his legacy will continue to inspire’.
Archie Roach (pictured) was a pioneering indigenous performer, renowned across the nation
Loved ones confirmed Roach was surrounded by friends and family at Victoria’s Warrnambool Base Hospital where he passed
‘Archie wanted all of his many fans to know how much he loves you for supporting him along the way,’ their statement read.
‘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.’
They also thanked all the staff who had been caring for Archie over the past month.
A private ceremony will follow.
He was inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame and dubbed Victorian Australian of the Year in 2020
Roach was best known for his 1990 album Charcoal Lane and song Took the Children Away, which detailed his own experience as a member of the Stolen Generations.
He was inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame and dubbed Victorian Australian of the Year in 2020.
He was also given the Deadly Award for a Lifetime Contribution to Healing the Stolen Generations in 2013.
Roach had been due to play with the Sydney Symphony at Sydney’s Opera House in October this year.
Roach was best known for his 1990 album Charcoal Lane and song Took the Children Away, which detailed his own experience as a member of the Stolen Generations
His wife Ruby Hunter died in 2010 and Roach was diagnosed with lung cancer a year later.
Tributes have poured in for the Indigenous singer, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese tweeting: ‘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.’
Tributes have poured in for the Indigenous singer who was renowned for his music
Federal MP Tony Burke said: ‘Archie Roach was proof that music could change lives and move hearts.’
‘Music changed his life and his music changed the lives of countless Australians.’
Australian musician Amy Shark said she’d been listening to Roach’s music earlier on Saturday before the news of his death broke.
‘I was so lucky to have performed with this legend. I’m so sad to now hear of his passing,’ she said.
Former Australian of the Year Grace Tame shared a photo of Roach, calling him a ‘beatiful, beautiful child’.
‘Now you are free,’ she tweeted.
More to come