The Warumpi Band burst onto the Australian music scene in 1984 with the release of their first album Big Name, No Blankets. Formed in 1980 in Papunya, 260km west of Alice Springs, by George Rrurrambu Burarrwanga, Sammy Butcher, Gordon Butcher and Neil Murray, the Warumpi Band became known for their bluesy rock and for singing in both English and First Nations languages, their music having strong social and political themes. After spending its early years touring regional and remote communities and stations in the Northern Territory and Western Australia, the Warumpi Band supported Midnight Oil on tours throughout Australia, helping to cement them and their music in the Australian pub rock lexicon. While still a member of the Warumpi Band, Murray wrote and released the song ‘My Island Home’, about his bandmate Rrurrambu’s love for his country Elcho Island. The song became a hit in the 1990s when covered by Christine Anu, who sang it in English.
There is some cheekiness in the Warumpi Band as they relax outside a tent on the steps of the Sydney Opera House in 1986. The sails of the iconic Opera House peak above the three musicians, who appear ready to take the stage and perform at a rehearsal for the First Nations Concert. The Warumpi Band had been touring nationally and internationally at the time this portrait was taken by Juno Gemes, and were in high demand.
Purchased 2021
© Juno Gemes/Copyright Agency, 2023
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