The Black Sorrows
The Black Sorrows are an Australian blues and roots band formed in Melbourne in 1983 by singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Joe Camilleri. Initially a loose collective performing R&B, zydeco and soul covers, the group moved into original material and has released multiple studio albums across four decades, blending blues, rock, soul and roots influences. Over 40 musicians have played with the band, with Camilleri remaining the sole constant member throughout its history.
The band achieved commercial success in the late 1980s and early 1990s with top-charting albums such as Hold On to Me (1988), Harley and Rose (1990) and Better Times (1992), and singles including “Chained to the Wheel,” “Harley + Rose” and “Never Let Me Go.” Several of these releases reached the top 20 on the Australian ARIA Albums Chart and the group won industry recognition during this period. Their extensive catalogue includes later albums such as Saint Georges Road (2021), The Way We Do Business (2024) and the retrospective The Quintessential Black Sorrows (2025).
Despite frequent lineup changes, The Black Sorrows have maintained a strong live following and continue to tour and record. The band’s influence in Australian blues and roots music has endured, with its mix of styles and decades-long output contributing to its reputation as one of the country’s long-running and eclectic musical acts.
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