A Bend in the River: A Tribute to Archie Roach AC

33 years ago, we first heard the lyrics ‘this story’s right, this story’s true…’, as the undeniable baritone croon of Archie Roach AC delivered an aching and urgent anthem for the Stolen Generations. The impact was immediate – ‘Took The Children Away’ pierced through Australia’s cultural amnesia and galvanised a nation.

Archie, a Stolen Generations survivor himself, shared his heartbreaking story with a message of hope and a cry for healing. “Each time I sing it, you let some of it go.”

Over the next 30 years and with 10 studio albums, Archie cemented his legacy as one of Australia’s most potent and powerful truth-tellers, songmen and activists, before passing in 2022, age 66.

A Bend in the River will celebrate this legacy at Sydney Town Hall in a night of tribute performances featuring long-time friends, collaborators and his contemporaries including Paul Kelly, Emma Donovan, Dan Sultan, Kutcha Edwards, Sally Dastey, Becca Hatch, Dobby, Deline Briscoe, Radical Son, Nola Lauch, David Arden, Russell Smith, Candice Lorrae, Tenzin Choegyal and Tamala Shelton.

Plus band members Steve Magnusson, Sam Anning, Erkki Veltheim, Dave Beck, David Bridie and Helen Mountfort.

Presented in association with the Archie Roach Foundation and Archie’s long-time manager Jill Shelton. Directed by Rhoda Roberts AO.
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