Australian singer-songwriter Archie Roach's music speaks the stories of his people, of this land and of the human condition. His voice uniquely Australian and undeniably universal continues to resonate for us all.
Archie emerged in the early 1990s. His ARIA-winning debut album, Charcoal Lane, was named one of Rolling Stone Magazines Top 50 albums of 1992. It centred around Archies heartbreaking song, Took the Children Away.
The song was a deeply affecting ballad about his own experience as one of the stolen generation who were forcibly removed from their parents and placed in non-indigenous institutions and homes.
The songs impact was immediate. It won a Human Rights Achievement Award and in 2013 it was added to the National Film and Sound Archives Sounds of Australia collection.
Roach's career has spanned three decades. He has shared the stage with some of the worlds most iconic artists, including the late Leonard Cohen, Rodriguez, Bob Dylan, Tracy Chapman, Billy Bragg and Paul Simon.
Roach will be performing at the Metropole in Katoomba on Sunday, April 28. The show will feature songs from his new three CD box set of recent live shows.
Roach has faced his fair share of difficulties over recent years. In early 2010 his long-time partner, collaborator and soul mate Ruby Hunter died suddenly. He suffered a serious stroke in late 2010 followed by lung cancer surgery in 2012.
Special guest at the show will be Sally Dastey, a much loved Australian performer.
In 2002 she released her first solo album, Secrets To Keep, after 10 years as part of the highly successful and critically acclaimed Tiddas.
She has continued touring, supporting the likes of Eddie Reader (Scotland) and Boo Hewerdine (England) as well as local favourites such as Nick Barker, Sal Kimber & The Rolling Wheel, and The Rosie Burgess Trio.
The Metropole Guesthouse is on the corner of Lurline and Gang Gang Streets, Katoomba. The show is on Sunday, April 28, doors open 6pm, show starts 7pm.
Tickets discount $60 pre-sale at the Metropole, on 4782 5544, online $63.50 at www.stickytickets.com.au/82483 or $65 on the door, unless sold out.
