Tributes are flooding in from around the world for indigenous Australian musician and storyteller Archie Roach who died last week at 66.
Back in 2017, we recorded his moving set at the 2017 WOMAD Festival.
In the years leading up to this performance, Roach survived a stroke and lung cancer, as well as the loss of his long-time partner Ruby Hunter.
In this performance, you might hear the toll that hardship took on his voice while it also reinforced the soulful power of his songs.
Archie Roach Photo: supplied
Setlist: 'Let Love Rule', 'There's a Little Child', 'Spiritual Love', 'It's Not Too Late', 'We Won't Cry', 'Mighty Clarence River', 'Took The Children Away', 'Get Back to the Land', 'Please Don't Give Up On Me', 'Always Be Here', 'Down City Streets'
Credits: Recording Engineer: Graham Kennedy / Mixed and Produced by Steve Burridge for RNZ Music
Listen - Archie Roach on Nine to Noon in 2016
Archie Roach was one of the ‘Stolen Generation’ of Aboriginal children forcibly taken from their families by the Australian government.
He grew up in foster homes and later lived on the streets, before recording his first album Charcoal Lane and becoming recognised as one of Australia's most important singer-songwriters.
Roach soon became recognised as one of Australia's most important singer-songwriters, playing with a host of musicians including; Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen and Patti Smith and Joan Armatrading.
His two sons Amon and Eban made a statement on behalf of the Roach family:
“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.”
