‘Music and culture keeps you alive’: Coloured Stone to be inducted into the SA Music Hall of Fame

Formed at Koonibba Aboriginal Mission in 1977 and nearly 50 years later, an SA trailblazing rock band are set to be inducted into the South Australia Music Hall of Fame.

After almost 50-years of rocking across Australia and abroad, Coloured Stone will join the state’s greatest musicians, as they are inducted into the South Australian Music Hall of Fame on Friday.

The band, which was formed in 1977 by lead vocalist, Mirning elder and Whale Songman of the Yinyila nation, Bunna Lawrie, will be recognised alongside other SA rock legends such as Cold Chisel, The Angels and No Fixed Address.

Mr Lawrie told The Advertiser that he hoped the accolade would inspire the next generation of musicians from Aboriginal communities.

Bunna Lawrie has been the lead singer of Coloured Stone since they formed at Koonibba Aboriginal Mission in 1977.

Original band members of Coloured Stone from left to right: John John Miller, Mackie Coaby, Neil Coaby, Bruce 'Bunny' Mundy and Bunna Lawrie.

“I think we’re one of the bands that have been to and played in more Aboriginal communities than any other rock bands in this country,” he said.

“40 or 50 years ago, there were hardly any rock bands in those communities but they love us because we take our music to them, and we will continue to do so because we love our people and we love this country.

“If it wasn’t for my culture and for the music, I wouldn’t be here today, but as I say, ‘music and culture keeps you alive because it puts you on the right track’, so it’s a very important award to receive this week.”

Coloured Stone have been nominated for four ARIA awards and awarded numerous other accolades as well as touring Europe, the US and Australia multiple times.

The band will be inducted into the SA Music Hall of Fame (SAMHF) on the same night as Her Majesty’s Theatre, with each year having a different venue recognised.

Coloured Stone performing in front of a large crowd.

Chair of the SAMHF, Dr Enrico Morena said it was a fitting tribute for Coloured Stone in the lead up to NAIDOC Week.

“Her Majesty’s induction will coincide with and host the Hall of Fame’s laudation of First

Nation artists leading up to NAIDOC week,” he said.

“Musical icons and trailblazers ‘Coloured Stone’ and their longstanding founding member Bunna Lawrie, will be inducted simultaneously adding to the significance of this eminent occasion.”

Inductees are endorsed by their peers for their musical influence, innovation, and lasting impact on the local, national, and international stage.