King Stingray, the surf rock band that has been making waves since its inception, recently made a significant announcement that has left fans both surprised and excited. On March 19, 2025, the band revealed they were parting ways with lead singer Yirrŋa Yunupiŋu, just two days ahead of the much-anticipated kickoff of their 'For the Dreams' national tour. The decision, shared via a heartfelt Instagram post, signaled not just a departure but also a fresh beginning for the group.
Yunupiŋu, a founding member of King Stingray, co-founded the band in 2020 with his childhood friend Roy Kellaway, carrying forth the musical legacy of their ancestors. Both musicians hail from the Yirrkala community in Yolŋu country and share familial ties to the legendary band Yothu Yindi; Yunupiŋu is actually the nephew of the group's founding member, Dr. M. Yunupiŋu. Their original lineup also included guitarist Dimathaya Burarrwanga and bassist Campbell Messer, with drummer Lewis Stiles joining the group in 2021.
As for the new direction, Ngalakan Wanambi, who has been touring with the band for several months, including the recent US tour, is stepping in as the new lead vocalist. The band expressed their enthusiasm for Wanambi taking over, stating, “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.” This transition promises to maintain the band’s unique Yolŋu rock spirit, much to the delight of their devoted fanbase.
The 'For the Dreams' national tour kicks off on March 21, 2025, in Eora/Sydney, and is set to include stops in Meanjin/Brisbane, Tarndanya/Adelaide, Naarm/Melbourne, and Boorloo/Perth. The concert series will feature several supporting acts, including Beddy Rays and The Belair Lip Bombs, adding an extra layer of excitement to the tour.
Yunupiŋu’s absence during live performances had raised questions among fans, as he had not performed with the band for over 18 months and was noticeably missing from recent promotional photos for their second album, 'For The Dreams'. Despite the lack of a detailed explanation regarding his departure, the band’s statement emphasized their commitment to keeping the same King Stingray spirit alive. They reassured fans, saying, “This ‘For The Dreams’ tour is gonna be something really special – same King Stingray spirit, same unstoppable Yolŋu rock, and a whole lotta love.”
The band’s upon its foundation saw rapid growth, releasing their debut single “Hey Wanhaka” in 2020, which showcased their unique sound that blended traditional Yolŋu music with contemporary rock elements. Their self-titled debut album released in 2022 received acclaim and set the stage for their follow-up album, 'For The Dreams', which dropped in November 2024 and features Yunupiŋu’s vocals prominently.
Despite the bittersweet news of his departure, fans remain hopeful about the upcoming live performances. Tickets for the 'For The Dreams' tour have been selling fast, reflecting the excitement around the transition and the band’s prospects for the future. As Kellaway noted last year, “We look up to them, we respect them, and we know that music brings people together, and the power that it can have,” emphasizing the group's dedication not just to their music, but to honoring their cultural roots.
In an industry where many bands struggle to stay true to their originality while navigating changes, King Stingray manages to do both. Their unique cultural identity and commitment to sharing their heritage through music place them among the leading voices in contemporary Australian music. Whether through the vibrant sounds of their tracks or the dynamic performances they deliver, they embody the evolution of Yolŋu cultural narratives.
As the band prepares for the tour ahead, the anticipation builds. Fans have expressed their enthusiasm on social media, with many eager to witness Ngalakan Wanambi’s new interpretations of the songs they love. The journey forward, while marked by change, promises to keep igniting the passion that made King Stingray a beloved group in the first place.
King Stingray’s national tour is not just a concert series but rather a celebration of a cultural journey that resonates deeply in the heart of Australian music. As they take the stage, it is evident that while Yunupiŋu may have moved on, the essence of King Stingray will continue to thrive, uniting fans through the universal language of music.
