Credit: Nathan Kelly

Warumpi Band legend Neil Murray announces shows in Melbourne and Castlemaine

Neil Murray has dropped powerful new single "Tears of Wybalenna" and announces tour dates.

Neil Murray, the legendary co-founder and songwriter for the Warumpi Band, is shaking things up with the release of his latest single and video, “Tears of Wybalenna,” from the album ‘The Telling.’ The esteemed Aussie songman will also be gracing fans with new shows in Melbourne, Castlemaine, and around Adelaide.

The heart-wrenching “Tears of Wybalenna” sheds light on the treacherous history of Tasmania’s First Nations people during the early days of colonisation. Murray, reflecting on the inspiration behind the song, shared, “I had a rough, general knowledge of Tasmania’s history and the devastating impact on its First People, but it didn’t really hit me emotionally until I stood in the graveyard at Wybalenna. The grief and sadness were palpable.”

Neil Murray Shows

• Fri 1 Mar 7:00pm: Neil Murray & his band at Memo Music Hall, 88 Acland St, St Kilda VIC
• Sat 16 Mar: Neil Murray & his band with Kavisha Mazzela at Theatre Royal, 30 Hargraves St, Castlemaine VIC (More details to come)
• Sat 23 Mar Time TBC: Neil Murray & his band at Lake Bolac Eel Festival, Frontage Road, Lake Bolac VIC
• Fri 10 May: Neil Murray (solo) at Big Easy Radio, 11 Stonehouse Ln, Aldinga Beach SA (More details to come)
• Sat 11 May 7:00pm: Neil Murray (solo) at Murray Delta Juke Joint, 4 Dowdodd Cres, Goolwa SA
• Sun 12 May 4:00pm: Neil Murray (solo) at Trinity Sessions, 318 Goodwood Road, Clarence Park, Adelaide SA

Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.

Murray’s compelling storytelling through the song is complemented by an equally powerful video, filmed and directed by Jin Tommo, featuring footage from Wybalenna, Flinders Island, generously provided by Sammi Gowthorp.

Neil Murray’s latest album, ‘The Telling,’ marks four decades of a remarkable recording career. Recorded in Melbourne by Roger Bergodaz and mixed in Sydney by Ted Howard, the album delves into historic and recent injustices, offering a moving and powerful collection of songs. From “Broken Land” to “Tears of Wybalenna,” Murray explores themes of loss, injustice, perseverance, and hope.

The album features contributions from talented musicians such as Bill Heckenberg (drums), Craig Kelly (bass), Stephen “Stretch” Teakle (keys, accordion, clavietta), Damien Neil (mandolin, guitar), Jack Howard (trumpet), Shane Reilly (pedal steel), and vocal harmonies from Grace Robinson & Damien Neil.

Neil Murray, a maverick songman, originally hailing from Victoria’s western district, has left an indelible mark on Australia’s contemporary music heritage. A co-founder of the Warumpi Band, his solo career since 1989 has produced a remarkable string of albums. In 2017, he was awarded the Port Fairy Folk Festival Artist of the Year, recognizing his enduring influence.

Murray’s songs, known for their substance and integrity, have been recorded by renowned artists like Mary Black, Jimmy Little, Missy Higgins, Liz Stringer, Christine Anu, and many more. His latest album, ‘The Telling,’ released in March 2023, continues to showcase Murray’s unparalleled storytelling and musical prowess.

For more information and updates, visit Neil Murray’s official website.

Words by Staff Writer