FROM REMOTE ROOTS TO NATIONAL STAGE: THE TWO-YEAR JOURNEY OF THE DESERT STARS
On the road with The Desert Stars
In an extraordinary tale of perseverance and passion, The Desert Stars, an Indigenous band from the remote Spinifex Country, has captivated audiences across Australia on a nearly two-year national tour. Their journey, which began in 2018, is now nearing its grand finale, leaving an indelible mark on the national music scene.
The adventure began when filmmaker Tristan Pemberton joined The Desert Stars on their first national tour, traversing the unforgiving terrain of the Western Australian Desert from their community in Tjuntjuntjara. This remarkable journey was documented in Gravel Road, a film that went on to screen at seven international film festivals and won 'Best Documentary Feature' at the Poppy Jasper Film Festival in California.
The documentary's national premiere in Margaret River, WA, in August 2022 was a momentous occasion. The Desert Stars surprised the audience with a live performance, prompting numerous calls for encores and launching their coast-to-coast event-style cinema gigs.
Led by Jay Minning, a Spinifex man and the community’s traditional songman, the band faced unique challenges. Minning's cultural responsibilities required careful planning, including a fly-in, fly-out tour schedule to accommodate his need to stay connected to his Country. The logistical hurdles were immense, given the remote location and limited transport options.
Despite these challenges, The Desert Stars, affectionately known as ‘Blakka Dakka,’ successfully completed twelve tour dates across Western Australia, Victoria, ACT, New South Wales, and Queensland. Their music, a vibrant blend of rock ‘n’ roll infused with Indigenous culture and language, has resonated with audiences nationwide.
As they prepare to conclude their tour, The Desert Stars will perform their final gigs in Tamworth, Lismore, Brisbane, and the Gold Coast. These shows will reunite them with The Re-Mains, the band that mentored them during their inaugural tour, bringing their journey full circle.
The story of The Desert Stars is a testament to the power of music to transcend cultural boundaries and connect people from all walks of life. Their journey from remote roots to the national stage is a source of inspiration and pride, celebrating the rich heritage and contemporary vibrancy of Indigenous culture.
Catch The Desert Stars on their final tour dates and be part of a musical journey that’s truly unforgettable.
Tour Dates:
Tamworth: Friday, 31 May
Lismore: Saturday, 1 June
Brisbane: Sunday, 2 June
Gold Coast: Monday, 3 June
Join us in celebrating The Desert Stars and their remarkable journey. Don’t miss their final performances!
Click on the links below to hear Jay Minning talk about life on the road and the favourite places he played, and Tristan Pemberton tells the story of how an Englishman teamed up with the World’s most remote rock outfit.