King Stingray: Aussie rock band split with lead singer Yirrnja Yunupinju hours before national tour

Surf rock legends King Stingray have parted ways with their lead singer and co-founder Yirrŋa Yunupiŋu just before the start of their national tour in Sydney.

Yirrnja, the nephew of prominent Aboriginal musician Dr Yunupingu, co-founded the Australian rock band with childhood friend, Roy Kellaway in 2020. The former Yothu Yindi duo started work on King Stingray’s debut single “Hey Wanhaka” in October last year.

Yirrnja’s vocals are still featured on their latest album titled For The Dreams though.

Yolgnu man Ngalakan Wanambi has officially stepped in for Yirrnja after the recent US tour where he joined the band as an auxiliary touring musician.

“To keep the fire burning we’re stoked to introduce the deadly Ngalakan Wanambi stepping up on vocals,” the King Stingray wrote on its Instagram page.

“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.”

The band provided no explanation for changing their founding frontman nor paid any tribute for the departing singer.

They went on to promise the “same King Stingray spirit” on their upcoming tour.

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

Prior to the announcement on Wednesday night, Yirrnja was also excluded from the band’s recent promotional photos for their latest album, For The Dreams. He was last seen performing for the group more than 18 months ago.

King Stingray will be playing their second album For The Dreams on the nationwide tour which starts on Thursday night in Sydney before additional dates in Brisbane, Adelaide, Melbourne and Perth.

The band will be joined by Beddy Rays and The Belair Lip Bombs.

PerthNow has contacted King Stingray for comment.