Warumpi Band were an Australian country and Aboriginal rock group which formed in the outback settlement of Papunya, Northern Territory, in 1980. The original line-up was George Burarrwanga on vocals and didgeridoo, Gordon Butcher Tjapanangka on drums, his brother Sammy Butcher Tjapanangka on guitar and bass guitar, and Neil Murray on rhythm guitar and backing vocals. Their songs are in English, Luritja and Gumatj. Their key singles are "Blackfella/Whitefella" (1985), "Sit Down Money" (1986), "My Island Home" (1987) and "No Fear" (1987). The group released three albums, Big Name, No Blankets (1985), Go Bush! (1987) and Too Much Humbug (1996). From late 1987 to mid-1995 the group rarely performed as Murray focused on his solo career. In early 1995, Christine Anu (former backing singer in Murray's touring group, The Rainmakers), issued a cover version of "My Island Home". Warumpi Band regrouped before disbanding in 2000. Burarrwanga died on 10 June 2007 of lung cancer, and Gordon Butcher died in early 2020 of unreleased causes. Thanks to Henry DeRooy for the art.
Various members were temporary, touring or recording only. From late 1987 to early 1995 there was little group activity as members pursued other interests.
George Rrurrambu Burarrwanga – vocals, didgeridoo (1980–2000, d. 2007)
Gordon Butcher Tjapanangka – drums (1980–1987, 1996)
Sammy Butcher Tjapanangka – bass guitar, guitar (1980–2000)
Neil Murray – guitar, songwriter (1980–2000)
Brian Butcher – bass guitar (1983)
Murray Cook – keyboards (1987)
Alan Murphey – drums (1987)
Kenny Smith – bass guitar (1987)
Bill Heckenberg – drums (1996)
Bill Jacobi – bass guitar, backing vocals
Denis Minor – bass guitar
Hilary Wirra – bass guitar
1 comment:
Great post and the other today, Big Thanks for all the effort
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