Crank up the amps and plug into the heart of Papunya (Warumpi).

Inspired by tales from founding member Sammy Tjapanangka Butcher, Big Name, No Blankets celebrates trailblazing Australian music icons Warumpi Band in an epic rock ‘n’ roll theatre show performed under the stars.

Feel the thrill of a live show rocking out to blak anthems like ‘Jailanguru Pakarnu’, ‘My Island Home’ and the legendary ‘Blackfella/Whitefella’ performed by an onstage band featuring the next generation of talented Butchers. Founding lead guitarist Sammy Tjapanangka Butcher is our charismatic narrator, who weaves intimate storytelling with big rock ‘n’ roll songs. He takes us on a journey from growing up in Warumpi (Papunya) through to Warumpi Band’s beginnings in the 1970s — where Sammy, with his two younger brothers, Gordon (drummer) and Brian (bass) learnt music by jamming on flour drums and billie cans in Papunya — through to their wild nights conquering pub rock and touring the world.

Warumpi Band amplified blak voices and stories while unifying listeners with the power of rock ‘n’ roll. This dynamic show will have the whole crowd dancing, clapping and singing along.

Big Name, No Blankets was created in collaboration with the families of Warumpi Band members and is co-directed by theatre icon Rachael Maza AM and Anyupa Butcher. Packed with rockstar performances, iconic songs and plenty of humour, this is a joyful show about how music can influence massive change.

Through Big Name, No Blankets we share Sammy Tjapanangka Butcher’s story of hope, and the strength of the influence music holds for change for our shared history and for the next generation.