King Stingray and lead vocalist Yirrŋa Yunupiŋu have parted ways, the band announced on social media yesterday (19 March).

Yunupiŋu, the nephew of Dr M. Yunupiŋu, formed the band in 2020 with guitarist Roy Kellaway, son of Stuart Kellaway. The pair are descendants of the founding members of Yothu Yindi. They grew up in the Yirrkala community in Yolngu country.

The band was formed alongside guitarist/didgeridoo player Dimathaya Burarrwanga and bassist Campbell Messer, and drummer Lewis Stiles joined the band in 2021.

The announcement that Yunupiŋu and King Stingray have parted ways arrives as the band prepare to embark on their massive For The Dreams national tour, which starts tomorrow (21 March).

“Hey everyone, we’ve got some news to share - King Stingray and Yirrnga have parted ways,” the band wrote on social media yesterday.

The statement continued, “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.

“This For The Dreams tour is gonna be something really special - same King Stingray spirit, same unstoppable Yolngu rock and a whole lotta love. Can’t wait to see you all out there.

“Big Love, King Stingray.”

With Yunupiŋu on lead vocals, King Stingray released their self-titled debut album in 2022 and For The Dreams in November 2024.

King Stingray will tour with special guests Beddy Rays and The Belair Lip Bombs on their upcoming Australian tour.

They’ll perform at Sydney’s Hordern Pavilion on Friday, 21 March, Brisbane’s Fortitude Music Hall (Saturday, 22 March), Adelaide’s Hindley Street Music Hall (Friday, 28 March), Melbourne’s Forum Theatre (Saturday, 29 March), and Perth’s Fremantle Arts Centre on Friday, 4 April. The Melbourne gig is sold out, while the other shows are selling fast.

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