about Warumpi Band

On Sunday June 10th 2007, the lead singer of the Warumpi Band passed away peacefully at Galiwinku, NT with his family in attendance.

The dynamic and pioneering performer was a great inspiration and will be sadly missed by all.

Eulogy (pdf - 13Kb)

neil and george 1993

news:

THE WARUMPI BAND Retires
14th Oct 2000

After a 20 year commitment to indigenous rock and roll, the Warumpi Band retired in October 2000. Their last appearance was at the Stompem Ground Festival at Broome in October 2000 which featured original founding member Sammy Butcher back in the line up on lead guitar. The band has not played since.

Both Neil Murray and George Rrurrambu pursue solo careers and Sammy Butcher plays with his own band out of Papunya, N.T. George Rrurrambu had a solo album 'Nerbu Message' which he released and toured with Bomba

Over the last decade, Neil Murray has established a successful career as a singer, songwriter, poet, author and playwright. His 4th solo album "The Wondering Kind" was a finalist in the 14th ARIA Awards "Best Blues and Roots" category.

Neil says "Increasingly my solo career has taken precedence and it was difficult to maintain a commitment to the Warumpi Band. Since Sammy Butcher retired, for me the band didn't have the same strength.

I was always happy for George Rrurrambu that he started a new career for himself. He was a great performer who's memory lives on with me. He was one of the best."

The final Warumpi Band concerts
with Neil Murray in the line-up were:
23rd Sept 2000 Harmony Festival, Palm Island (off Townsville)
7th Oct 2000 Amphitheatre Botanic Gardens, Darwin
13th/14th Oct 2000 Stompem Ground Festival, Broome