Archie Roach dead: Australian music icon passes away after ‘long illness’

Archie Roach’s family say they’re “heartbroken” to announce the celebrated singer’s death after a long battle with illness.

Australian music icon Archie Roach, a pioneering Indigenous artist who drew global attention to the Stolen Generations, has died at the age of 66.

“We are heartbroken to announce the passing of Gunditjmara (Kirrae Whurrong/Djab Wurrung), Bundjalung Senior Elder, songman and storyteller Archie Roach,” the singer and songwriter’s family said in a statement.

“Archie passed, surrounded by his family and loved ones, at Warrnambool Base Hospital after a long illness. 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 a unifying force. His music brought people together.”

His family has given the media permission to use his name and image. There will be a private memorial ceremony.

Roach suffered a strong in 2010, and also fought lung cancer. That didn’t stop him from continuing to perform, and in recent years he took the stage with oxygen.

Archie Roach. Picture: Steve Pohlner/AAP

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was among the great many Australians paying tribute to Roach after his passing was announced on Saturday night.

“Our country has lost a brilliant talent, a powerful and prolific national truth teller,” said Mr Albanese.

“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.”

Australian singer Amy Shark said she had, coincidentally, been listening to Roach’s album Jamu Dreaming “from start to finish” early on Saturday.

“(We were) discussing how heartbreakingly beautiful the song Walking Into Doors is. I was so lucky to have performed with this legend. I’m so sad to now hear of his passing,” Shark said.

Rest In Peace Uncle Archie Roach - a songman, a gentleman, a national treasure. An international treasure. An incredible talent and generous soul.

We owe you so much for what you’ve given to our nation.

Yindyamarra 🖤💔 pic.twitter.com/n3tMFlL9JK

— Prof Anita Heiss AM (@AnitaHeiss) July 30, 2022

Absolutely devastating to hear the news of Uncle Archie Roach’s passing. My heart breaks for his family and community — sending you all the love and strength. Rest easy Unc x ❤️

— Nakari Thorpe (@nakarithorpe) July 30, 2022

Rest in power Vale Uncle Archie Roach
💔💔💔💔💔💔💔

*his family have given permissions for his name and image to be continued to be used 🖤

— Dr Amy Thunig (@AmyThunig) July 30, 2022

Oh my, very sad that Archie Roach has died. And he was only 66. That is way too soon. Vale. (His family have granted permission for his name to be used and so his memory stays).

— Louise Milligan (@Milliganreports) July 30, 2022

Heartbroken to hear about the death of Archie Roach. In high school I used to go and watch him sing with his wife Ruby. They were my entry into the world of Indigenous song. #vale

— Patricia Karvelas (@PatsKarvelas) July 30, 2022

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.

An elder, storyteller, musician and one of the most humble people I’ve met in my life.

RIP

— Tony Burke (@Tony_Burke) July 30, 2022

The very saddest of news 💔
RIP Archie Roach - a devastating & incomprehensible loss too soon. Thank you for everything, Vale https://t.co/5pYjMar2eU

— sam mostyn (@sammostyn) July 30, 2022

Absolutely devastating news. Vale to a truly beautiful man. The heart & soul of our nation. You gave a voice to so many who struggled to find the words with the superb “Take the children away”.
You will be so missed.
With your beloved Ruby now. https://t.co/HwuojkcZkt

— Dr Tracy Westerman AM (@TracyWesterman) July 30, 2022

Goodnight Archie Roach, giant among us. I’ve learnt so much from your music, storytelling & gentle way. I’m sure your beloved Ruby was waiting. Thankyou for everything. Go well. ❤️‍🩹

— Karen Middleton (@KarenMMiddleton) July 30, 2022

One of my favourite photos, Paul Kelly, Archie Roach and my brother Steve Connolly during the recording of 'Charcoal Lane' in 1990. A really important record. Vale Archie, you were much loved and respected. RIP. pic.twitter.com/nPIsTW9Bnj

— Rohan Connolly (@rohan_connolly) July 30, 2022

Very sad to hear that Archie Roach has died.

His songs changed the conversation in Australia.

I was honoured to meet him, and he told me that through “sharing your own story, hopefully other people will open up and share their story as well.”

Rest In Peace, Uncle Archie. 💔 pic.twitter.com/1e2aIRt8Fo

— Zan Rowe (@zanrowe) July 30, 2022

Vale Archie Roach. One of history's best storytellers. A kind man and hugely generous artist. I spoke with him just once, but it was a powerful and moving experience, just as it was watching him perform. Glad we have his songs to cherish for life. https://t.co/12ExDkkzpm

— Dan Condon (@doncandon) July 30, 2022

The First Peoples Assembly of Victoria said there were not “adequate words” to sum up the loss of Roach to “the Community, to the nation or indeed the world”.

“Our sincere condolences to the Roach family and friends. Rest in power, Uncle, we’ll see you in the Dreamtime.”

Attorey-General Mark Dreyfus said Roach’s passing was “a terrible loss to Australia’s cultural life”.

“Archie Roach was one of our greatest storytellers, and his lyrics touched us deeply,” he said.

“My sincerest condolences to Mr Roach’s family, and all who knew and loved him.”

And Linda Burney, the federal Minister for Indigenous Australians, called Roach “a pioneering musician” and survivor of the Stolen Generations.

“Your songs will live forever. Thank you Archie for everything you gave us,” she said.