Who are the King Stingray members? Lead vocalist Yirrŋa Yunupiŋu parts ways with the band ahead of ‘For The Dreams’ national tour

King Stingray announced on social media on March 19 that the band and lead singer Yirrŋa Yunupiŋu have formally parted ways. The announcement was released just before their much-anticipated For The Dreams national tour kicks off in Sydney on March 21.

In addition to Yunupiŋu, the band includes lead guitarist Roy Kellaway, drummer Lewis Stiles (who has been with them since 2021), bassist Campbell Messer, Yimila Gurruwiwi, who plays the didgeridoo, an Aboriginal Australian wind instrument, and drummer Dimathaya Burarrwanga, who plays the rhythm guitar, back-up vocals, and the yidaki, another Aboriginal Australian wind instrument.

Yunupiŋu, the nephew of the late Dr. M. Yunupiŋu of Yothu Yindi, co-founded King Stingray in 2020 with guitarist Roy Kellaway. The two artists started the band to carry on their families' musical heritage after growing up together in Yirrkala, North-East Arnhem Land.

The band released a statement saying,

“Hey everyone, we’ve got some news to share - King Stingray and Yirrŋa have parted ways. To keep the fire burning, we’re stoked to introduce the deadly Ngalakan Wanambi stepping up on vocals. He absolutely smashed it with us on our recent US tour, and as always, our main man, Dima Burarrwanga, will be bringing the energy as he always does.”

Neither a tribute to their previous frontman nor an explanation for Yunupiŋu's departure was offered by the band. Notably, Yunupiŋu had not played live with the band for more than 18 months and had not been included in any of their recent promotional materials.

King Stingray promised fans that their trademark Yolŋu surf rock sound would not change despite the roster change.

“This For The Dreams tour is gonna be something really special - same King Stingray spirit, same unstoppable Yolŋu rock, and a whole lotta love.”

Details about their upcoming tour

Beddy Rays and The Belair Lip Bombs will be joining King Stingray on their Australian tour. Major cities will be visited on their For The Dreams national tour; with one show already sold out.

On March 21, they're performing at Hordern Pavilion, Sydney, followed by their performance in Fortitude Music Hall, Brisbane on March 22, then Hindley Street Music Hall, Adelaide on March 28 right after that it's the Forum Theatre, Melbourne on March 29 which is sold out. Then in the month of April, they're performing at the Fremantle Arts Centre in Perth on April 4.

More about King Stingray

After forming in 2020, King Stingray immediately gained recognition for their distinctive blend of contemporary rock and Yolŋu Matha (songlines). Released in 2022, their first self-titled album was an immediate hit and won praise from critics and the music business. Both English and Yolŋu Matha lyrics are included in their upbeat indie rock music, which has strong cultural origins.

ARIA Award for Breakthrough Artist, Triple J's Unearthed Artist of the Year, and several National Indigenous Music Awards (NIMAs) are just a few of the numerous awards that the band has received. Their song, Milkumana, won the Vanda & Young Global Songwriting Competition and was named Song of the Year at the NIMAs.

The band has played at major events including First & Forever, Falls, and Splendour in the Grass. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese applauded them and named Get Me Out his favorite song of 2022. They additionally collaborated with big businesses like Cotton On and Tourism Australia.

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