Former Goanna front man Shane Howard will celebrate 30 years since the release of his indigenous rights anthem “Solid Rock” with the release of three new versions and some special anniversary concerts.
“Solid Rock – Puli Kunpungka” sees Shane joined by Archie Roach, Amy Saunders, Natalie Pa’apa’a (Blue King Brown), Emma Donovan, Myra Howard, and the children of the APY Lands. “Solid Rock – Sacred Ground” is a stripped back, ballad-style version of the classic song. Both versions are available digitally now. In November these reimaginings will be joined by “Solid Rock – Stronger Now,” which will see Shane sharing vocal duties with Natalie Pa’apa’a and Dan Sultan.
Many of the artists who’ve leant their voices to the new recordings will join Shane Howard for Other Side of the Rock show, which will appropriately hit Uluru on October 6. Archie Roach, Emma Donovan, Dan Sultan, John Butler, Natalie Pa’apa’a, and Stephen Pigram are all on the bill. The show is part of the Mutitjulu Community Carnival, which celebrates the cultural and sporting achievements of the people of the APY Lands. If you can’t make it to the Red Centre you can see the show when it hits The Forum in Melbourne on December 8.