Tributes have poured in for veteran Australian rock drummer James Baker, following his passing earlier this week at the age of 71. The Perth-born musician had been living with cancer for several years in the lead-up to his death, which had been diagnosed as terminal. He was best known as a founding member of two beloved Australian bands: the Hoodoo Gurus, circa 1981, and the Beasts of Bourbon circa 1983. His 52-year career also saw him behind the kit for bands such as The Victims, Scientists, The Dubrovniks and The Painkillers, shaping the sound of Australian rock and punk.

Baker formed Hoodoo Gurus alongside frontman Dave Faulkner following the end of their previous band, The Victims, in the late 70s. They were joined by guitarists Roddy Radalj and Kimble Rendall, the latter of which also recently passed away just weeks before Baker. The band originally went by the name Le Hoodoo Gurus, but dropped the “Le” shortly after the release of their debut single ‘Leilani’ in 1982. Baker played on the band’s debut album, 1984’s Stoneage Romeos, before exiting the fold shortly thereafter and being replaced by Mark Kingsmill.

Beasts Of Bourbon – ‘Psycho’

Four months after the release of Stoneage Romeos, Beasts Of Bourbon’s debut album The Axeman’s Jazz was released. Baker had joined the band a year prior, having been hired by frontman Tex Perkins alongside guitarists Kim Salmon and Spencer P. Jones and bassist Boris Sujdovic. Baker would work with the band intermittently throughout the decade up to 1990. He rejoined the band in 2013 for their 30th anniversary tour, and would work with the surviving members on the spinoff band The Beasts from 2019 to his death, playing on the albums Still Here (2019) and Ultimo (2024).

In 2024, Baker formed James Baker & The Groundbreakers to release his debut solo EP, Born To Rock, on his 70th birthday (March 6th). “I think rock was always what I was meant to do,” said Baker at the time. “As many of you know, it’s not the easiest path, but I’ve had a blast. I’m heading towards the end of the show, but hey: I’ve made my music for me, and all of you. I really hope you will all continue to enjoy and love rock & roll as much as I have.”

“The man lived and breathed rock & roll for over five decades,” wrote Perkins in a tribute post to his former bandmate. “He’s also breathed life into so many rock & roll bands, it would be difficult to count them all. Most of all, and even more importantly, the guy was always a fucking sweetheart.
I’ve known Baker since 1983. I was 18, and he was like a father to me. In all the time I knew him, we never had one argument; not one disagreement, not one shitty word. I can’t even remember even one misunderstanding. In 42 years! That’s remarkable.

James Baker Experience – ‘Born To Be Punched’

“Baker is one of my all time favourite drummers; nothing flash or unnecessary, just a solid beat. His simplicity has style that brings a kind of magic to the rock & roll he played. Put simply, James Baker is a fucking legend. l feel blessed to have known him, and I loved him; always have, always will.”

The Stems frontman Dom Mariani described Baker as “a one-of-a-kind guy” and “a lovely, humble man who always had time for everyone.” “When I first saw him play in the early Gurus, I was in awe,” he wrote. “‘How cool is this guy?’ I knew James a little in those days but it wasn’t until recent times that we got to know each other a little more. We talked music [and] our favourite bands a lot, and enjoyed having a good laugh. He had great stories. Thank you for the inspiration and friendship, James.”

Mudhoney, who toured with Beasts Of Bourbon, praised Baker as “the greatest of the great”. “He will be very sadly missed by all who knew, and all who admired, this wonderful man,” the band wrote. “Thank you, James, for all the amazing music you gave us.”

Baker is survived by his wife, Catherine, and his two daughters Lorna and Faye.

Further Reading

Ben Lee Pays Tribute To The Late Jill Sobule: “A Force Of Nature”

Australian Music Industry Icon Garry Van Egmond Has Passed Away

Aussie Metal Community Mourns Shock Death Of To The Grave Bassist, Josh Booth

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Ben Lee is one of several musicians who have paid tribute to the late Jill Sobule, following the news of her passing yesterday (May 1st) at age 66. The American singer-songwriter, best known for her 1995 singles ‘I Kissed A Girl’ and ‘Supermodel’, was found dead following a house fire in Woodbury, per a CBS News report. The fire’s cause remains under investigation at the time of writing.

Lee, who worked with Sobule on what ended up being her final album Nostalgia Kills in 2018, described the singer-songwriter as “a force of nature” in his Weirder Together newsletter. “I have so much to say about Jill, her particular brand of creative magic, the community she built, her activism and her playful enthusiasm,” he wrote. “Not sure I can find the words to express all of that right now.”

Jill Sobule – ‘I Kissed A Girl’

“You may recognise her name as the author of the first ever openly gay-themed song to crack the Billboard Top 20 in 1995, ‘I Kissed A Girl’, but this was just the tip of the iceberg of a truly unique musical career. At some point when you’ve got a moment, jump into investigating Jill’s back catalogue and acquaint yourself with the body of work that this monster of songwriting put out.”

“Thank you, Jill Sobule, for everything you gave us as friends, fans and members of your creative community. We love you.”

Sobule released her debut studio album, Things Here Are Different, in 1990. Although its lead single ‘Too Cool To Fall In Love’ cracked the Billboard Adult Contemporary top 20, the album itself failed to chart. It wasn’t until 1995 when Sobule’s fortunes turned around with the release of her self-titled second album.

The album was home to her two biggest hits, ‘I Kissed A Girl’ and ‘Supermodel’ – the latter of which was featured in the film Clueless, starring Alicia Silverstone and Paul Rudd. Both songs charted locally, with ‘I Kissed A Girl’ peaking at number 36 on the ARIA Charts and both singles appearing in the 1995 triple j Hottest 100, at numbers 18 (‘I Kissed A Girl’) and 59 (‘Supermodel’).

Further Reading

Ben Lee and Camp Cope’s Georgia Maq Share New Collab ‘Arsehole’

‘I Couldn’t Do a Bad Show If I Tried’: Ben Lee Is Leaning Into His Weirdness

Adam Green Tribute Album Announced feat. Regina Spektor, Father John Misty, The Lemonheads + More

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The Western Australian music community is in mourning following the death of Rick Steele – a veteran blues musician, and patriarch of the Steele family that includes his son Luke (Empire Of The Sun, The Sleepy Jackson) and his daughter Katy (Little Birdy). Steele was 77 years old, having died the day after his birthday, and had reportedly long been at battle with an undisclosed illness.

Following his father’s passing, Luke took to Empire Of The Sun’s social media to pay tribute. “He spent his life soothing the souls of so many through his incredible gift of music,” he wrote. “His own musical career spanned more than 60 years; a repertoire of thousands of songs. I’d often wonder how he remember[ed] them all.

“He was an eccentric; an artist with a beautiful flair. He loved his family, garden and his castle, and he sure loved a good song. He always said, ‘You only have three minutes to tell the world what you want to say’. That always said so much to me.” Katy, for her part, simply shared a photo of her father as a young man with a dove emoji to her Instagram page.

Rick Steele – ‘ANZAC’

Richard Warwick Steele was born on March 9th, 1948 in Auckland, New Zealand. He began performing at an early age, and moved to Perth in the early 70s. Across decades of prolific touring and recording between Australia and New Zealand, Steele played shows with the likes of Split Enz, Dragon and the Little River Band. He later formed the Perth Blues Club in 1992, and remained its president until his death. He was supportive of both Luke and Katy’s musical pursuits, even opening for both of Luke’s bands at various points, and continued to not only make music into his 60s but play shows around Perth into his 70s. Steele was inducted in the WA Music Hall Of Fame in 2016.

“Rick’s influence extended beyond his performances,” wrote a representative for Western Australian Music – the governing body of the state’s music sector – in a tribute post. “He was a mentor to many and an unwavering supporter of his family, including his talented children, who have each made their own mark in the music world. His passion for the blues, his generosity of spirit and his dedication to both his craft and his community will never be forgotten.”

Steele is survived by his wife Liz, his four children (Luke, Katy, Jake and Jesse) and his nine grandchildren.

Further Reading

Empire Of The Sun Review – Electro-Pop Brilliance with a Side of Theatre Sports

Luke Steele Announces Debut Solo Album & Releases First Single

“It’s Like This Weird Pirate Party”: Daniel Johns On The Method To The Madness Of DREAMS

The post Rick Steele, WA Blues Legend And Father Of Luke Steele, Dead At 77 appeared first on Music Feeds.

American musician James Kottak, better known for his role as a drummer with Scorpions and Kingdom Come, passed away in Louisville, Kentucky on Tuesday, 9th January. He was 61. The cause of his death remains undisclosed.

Scorpions took to Facebook to post a tribute. “Very sad news … our dear friend and Drummer for 20 years James Kottak has passed at the age of 61,” they said. “James was a wonderful human being , a great musician and loving family man … he was our Brother from another Mother and will be truly missed . … Rock ‘n Roll Forever. RIP James.”

James Kottak also played with Buster Brown, Warrant, The Cult and more

James Kottak’s beats helped define the sound of Scorpions for two decades, as he held the sticks for the German rock band from 1996 to 2016. Kottak showcased his drumming skills with various other bands, including hard rockers Kingdom Come, glam metal group Warrant, English rock band The Cult, and his punk rock ensemble, Kottak.

Further Reading

Irish Musician Sinead O’Connor Died of Natural Causes, Coroner Confirms

Denny Laine, of Wings and The Moody Blues, Has Died at 79

Amp Fiddler Has Died, Aged 65

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Irish musician Sinead O’Connor was found dead in her London home in July 2023 at the age of 56. O’Connor was confirmed by The Southwark’s Coroner’s court on Tuesday to have died of natural causes.

The legendary musician, known for songs such as ‘Mandinka’ and ‘Nothing Compares 2 U’, was discovered unresponsive at a residential property in London, prompting an autopsy to determine the cause of death. Police clarified from the beginning that there was no suspicion of foul play.

Coroner’s Court Confirms Sinead O’Connor Cause of Death in a Statement

In a brief statement on Tuesday, The Southwark’s Coroner’s Court said that, “This is to confirm that Ms O’Connor died of natural causes.” They continued: “The coroner has therefore ceased their involvement in her death.” No further details were given about the cause of death.

The statement from the coroner’s court not only confirms the circumstances of Sinead O’Connor’s death, but puts an end to speculation about the cause of death.

O’Connor will be remembered for her albums The Lion and the Cobra (1987) and I Do Not Want What I Haven’t Got (1990). She received several awards and nominations in her career, including a Grammy and a Brit award.

Further Reading

Amp Fiddler Has Died, Aged 65

Denny Laine, of Wings and The Moody Blues, Has Died at 79

The Pogues’ Singer Shane MacGowan Has Died, Age 65

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Brazilian gospel singer Pedro Henrique has died at the age of 30. Henrique collapsed midway through a performance on Wednesday (13th December) in the city of Feira de Santana in the northeast state of Bahia, Brazil. According to TMZ, the singer suffered a heart attack.

The incident occurred during a religious service and was caught on camera. Footage of the event shows Henrique singing along with the crowd before collapsing and falling on his back. After falling to the floor, he was found unconscious, and despite efforts to revive him, he did not regain consciousness.

Pedro Henrique

The singer’s record label Todah Music penned a tribute to Henrique. “Pedro was a cheerful young man, a friend to all. The only son, a present husband and super dedicated father.” The statement continued, “There is no pastor or Christian in Brazil who says anything different: Pedro is simple, he is a believer! What a smile ! How nice is that! What a voice! Our kind of people who are great to have around!”

According to local media, the band’s production team attempted to rescue Henrique by taking him to a nearby medical clinic, but to no avail. Henrique is survived by his wife, Suilan Barreto, and their young daughter Zoe.

Further Reading

South African Music Icon Zahara Dies at 36

The Pogues’ Singer Shane MacGowan Has Died, Age 65

X Japan Bass Player Heath Has Died at 55

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South African singer-songwriter Zahara passed away at the age of 36 in Johannesburg on Monday, 11th December as per The New York Times. Zahara, who was known for albums such as Country Girl and Mgodi, was hospitalised last month due to physical pain. She was suffering from liver damage and faced a long battle with alcoholism. However, the cause of death is yet to be revealed.

South Africa’s sports, arts, and culture minister, Zizi Kodwa, announced Zahara’s death in a public statement. “My deepest condolences to the Mkutukana family and the South African music industry.” Kodwa said. “Government has been with the family for some time now. Zahara and her guitar made an incredible and lasting impact in South African music.”

BBC listed Zahara as one of the 100 most influential women in the world in 2020

Zahara’s sister, Nomonde, had previously disclosed the severity of Zahara’s health condition, stating that doctors warned that “if [Zahara] continues drinking, she is going to die.” Efforts were made to monitor and support the musician, emphasising the challenges she faced due to alcoholism.

Zahara – real name Bulelwa Mkutukana – had been a sensation in her native South Africa over the last dozen years. She made history with her debut album, 2011’s Loliwe, the title of which translates into English as “The Train.” The album achieved double platinum accreditation and ranks as the second-fastest-selling album in South Africa after Brenda Fassie’s 1997 record, Memeza.

Zahara performed for the late Nelson Mandela in 2013, just months before his death. She also earned a spot on the BBC’s list of list of 100 inspiring and influential women from around the world in 2020. Zahara collected 17 South African Music Awards in the course of her career.

Further Reading

American Singer Lola Dee, Known for ‘Pretty Eyed Baby’, Dead At 95

Jean Knight, Known For ‘Mr. Big Stuff’, Dies at 80

Denny Laine, of Wings and The Moody Blues, Has Died at 79

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American singer-songwriter Lola Dee, who is known for her 1950s hit ‘Pretty Eyed Baby,’ passed away at the age of 95 on Thursday, 7th December. Dee died peacefully in a nursing facility in Hinsdale, Illinois, from natural causes, confirmed publicist Alan Eichle.

Dee left her musical career early to take care of her mother, who had Alzheimer’s. Her final public performances took place in 1978, when she sang the US national anthem at Chicago Bears and Chicago White Sox games.

Lola Dee – ‘Pretty Eyed Baby’

Lola Dee was born Lorraine DeAngelis in 1928 in Chicago. Her musical journey started early, gaining attention as a teenager on the American Broadcasting Company’s show, Junior Junction. Dee worked with Columbia Records and Mercury Records during her career. Her early releases, including the hits ‘Pretty Eyed Baby’ and ‘Paper Roses’, were issued under the name Lola Ameche, a nod to her mother’s maiden name.

Dee collaborated with Al Trace and his Orchestra on ‘Pretty Eyed Baby’, which reached number 21 on the Billboard charts in 1951. She continued to showcase her unique voice with over 20 singles released in the following years. Beyond the studio, Dee also toured globally, performing in Mexico, Singapore, and Australia and sharing the stage with legends like Bob Hope and Johnnie Ray.

Further Reading

Jean Knight, Known For ‘Mr. Big Stuff’, Dies at 80

Denny Laine, of Wings and The Moody Blues, Has Died at 79

The Pogues’ Singer Shane MacGowan Has Died, Age 65

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Shane MacGowan, iconic frontman of Celtic punk band The Pogues, has passed away at the age of 65. MacGowan’s wife, Victoria Mary Clarke, confirmed the rockstar’s passing on Thursday (30th November) in a social media post.

“The love of my life and the most beautiful soul and beautiful angel and the sun and the moon and the start and end of everything that I hold dear has gone to be with Jesus and Mary and his beautiful mother Therese,” Clarke wrote.

“I am blessed beyond words to have met him”

“I am blessed beyond words to have met him and to have loved him and to have been so endlessly and unconditionally loved by him and to have had so many years of life and love and joy and fun and laughter and so many adventures… You meant the world to me.”

MacGowan’s cause of death has not been disclosed but, as The Irish Star reports, the iconic rocker had recently been discharged from a five-month stint in hospital where he’d been battling a serious blood infection. This followed a highly-publicised hospitalisation around a year ago.

MacGowan had been receiving consistent medical treatment since suffering a bad fall back in 2015, during which he broke his pelvis. That same year he received teeth implants following complications due to a long struggle with drugs and alcohol.

Regarded as one of the greatest frontpeople in rock history, MacGowan invigorated the genre with the power of Irish folk music, and famously penned the Christmas classic ‘Fairytale of New York’. His death follows the passing of Pogues bassist Daryl Hunt last year. The Pogues themselves have been inactive since 2014.

Further Reading

The Pogues’ Shane MacGowan has Been Hospitalised

Darryl Hunt, Longtime Pogues Bassist, Dies Aged 72

People Absolutely Hate Jon Bon Jovi’s Cover Of The Pogues’ ‘Fairytale Of New York’

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Legendary soul singer Jean Knight, known for her iconic 1971 hit ‘Mr. Big Stuff’, died on Wednesday, 22nd November at the age of 80. The news was confirmed by her publicist, Mona Giamanco, who cited natural causes as the cause of death. Knight’s family released a statement that reflected on her extraordinary career and the profound impact she had on fans worldwide.

“Jean Knight’s legacy is not just a musical one; it is a testament to the enduring love between an artist, her hometown, and the fans who adored her,” they said. “As we bid farewell to this iconic soulstress, New Orleans and her global fan base join together in gratitude for the indelible mark she left on the world.”

Jean Knight – ‘Mr. Big Stuff’

Jean Knight began releasing music in the mid-1960s. She experienced a significant breakthrough after teaming up with record producer Wardell Quezergue to record ‘Mr. Big Stuff’ at Malaco Studio in Jackson, Mississippi, in 1970.

The single came out on Stax Records in 1971 and reached number two on the US Billboard Hot 100. Over three million copies were sold and Knight was nominated for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance at the 1972 GRAMMY Awards.

This song’s success established Knight as a prominent figure in 1970s funk and soul music. The popularity of the single is still evident through its inclusion in numerous films and TV series, including Spike Lee’s Crooklyn, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, The Simpsons, and The Deuce. In recognition of her significant contributions to music, Knight was inducted into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame in 2007.

Further Reading

Mars Williams, Saxophonist in The Psychedelic Furs, Has Died

X Japan Bass Player Heath Has Died at 55

Enrique Iglesias is Retiring from Music

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Killing Joke guitarist Kevin “Geordie” Walker has died at the age of 64, the band confirmed in a statement. Walker died suddenly in the Czech capital, Prague, where he lived. “It is with extreme sadness we confirm that at 6:30am on 26th November 2023 in Prague, Killing Joke’s legendary guitarist Kevin ‘Geordie’ Walker passed away after suffering a stroke,” the band said in a post to social media.

The current Killing Joke lineup comprises Walker’s fellow founding members, vocalist Jaz Coleman, drummer Paul Ferguson and bass player Martin Glover (aka Youth). According to the band’s statement, Walker was surrounded by family at the time of his death. “We are devastated,” they wrote. “Rest In Peace brother.”

Killing Joke – ‘Love Like Blood’

Walker, Coleman, Ferguson and Glover formed Killing Joke in 1979. Walker met Coleman and Ferguson after responding to an ad they’d placed in the music magazine Melody Maker. “We wanted to find two people who had a revolutionary musical style and were open to magical principles,” Coleman told Uncut in 2018.

“I met Jaz and we clicked,” Walker said in the Uncut interview. “I hated everything he listened to, he hated what I listened to, but we both liked fishing so we talked about that for three hours.” In the same article, Ferguson described his first impression of Walker: “He had a ginger shaggy afro, teddy boy jeans and brothel creepers.”

He continued, “I didn’t care what he sounded like, he looked amazing. But then he plugged in and started chugging Alex Harvey riffs. I worshipped Harvey and that was it.”

After recruiting Glover, the quartet got to work on their debut album – the funk- and metal-influenced post-punk classic, Killing Joke, which came out in 1980. Glover stayed with the band only up until their third album, 1982’s Revelations, which was produced by krautrock’s defining producer, Conny Plank. Killing Joke’s biggest success was 1985’s Night Time, which featured their most popular single, ‘Love Like Blood’.

After ten studio albums, Killing Joke broke up in 1996, by which time Glover had rejoined but Ferguson had left. Walker and Coleman got the band back together in 2002, releasing the albums Killing Joke (2003) and Hosannas from the Basements of Hell (2006) before the original lineup reunited in 2008.

Three albums have followed since that time, the latest being 2015’s Pylon. The EP, Lord Of Chaos, came out in 2022 and Killing Joke played a bunch of arena shows around the UK in October 2022. Their most recent live shows occurred in March 2023.

Further Reading

Killing Joke Frontman Jaz Coleman Missing

Jaz Coleman Resurfaces In The Western Sahara Desert

Mars Williams, Saxophonist in The Psychedelic Furs, Has Died

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American saxophonist Mars Williams, popularly known as a band member of The Psychedelic Furs and The Waitresses, died at the age of 68 on Monday, 20th November. The Chicago Tribune reported that Williams succumbed to periampullary cancer, a diagnosis he had received last year.

The Psychedelic Furs expressed their grief on social media, bidding farewell to the late musician: “We’re heartbroken. Goodbye to the great Mars Williams. Rest well,” they wrote on X.

New wave saxophonist Mars Williams dead at 68

​Williams’ family also shared a statement on his death. “It’s with great sadness that we send this message to let the many people who loved and supported Mars Williams know that he passed away earlier today after his year-long struggle with cancer,” they wrote. “He was surrounded by family and friends, both in person and around the world, who held him close, and loved him dearly.”

Williams was a member of the American band The Waitresses from 1980 to 1983, and a member of British band The Psychedelic Furs from 1983 to 1989 and again from 2005 until his death. Williams was also a founding member of the American fusion band Liquid Soul and a core member of Hal Russell’s free jazz band NRG Ensemble.

Williams’ saxophone playing was a key element of The Waitresses’ sound during the group’s two-album tenure. He can be heard on their signature songs ‘Christmas Wrapping, ‘Square Pegs,’ and ‘I Know What Boys Like’. After The Waitresses disbanded, Williams was asked to join The Psychedelic Furs. He conducted his final tour dates with the band in October 2023.

Further Reading

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Kesha Omits Diddy’s Name from ‘TiK ToK’ Lyrics Amid Cassie Abuse Lawsuit

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Iconic Japanese rock band X Japan have announced the passing of their bassist, Hiroshi Morie, widely known as Heath. In a statement, the band confirmed the 55-year-old musician succumbed to colorectal cancer. “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of X Japan’s esteemed bass player Heath after his battle with colorectal cancer, on October 29th, 2023, at the age of 55,” they wrote.

The band thanked its fanbase for their support of Heath. “We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to those who cherished Heath throughout his lifetime,” they wrote. “We, the members of X Japan, have personally bid farewell to Heath but are still deeply saddened and dismayed by his sudden loss.”

X Japan’s bass player Heath spent more than 20 years with the band

Hiroshi Morie was born on 22nd January, 1968, in Amagasaki, Japan. He played in bands such as Paranoia and Media Youth before joining X Japan in 1992. The band split up in 1997 and Heath embarked on a solo career.

In 2000, Heath co-founded Dope HEADz with X Japan guitarist Pata and former Spread Beaver percussionist and programmer I.N.A., but the group was short-lived, ceasing activity after its second album in 2002.

X Japan reformed in 2007 with Heath in tow. No new music has been released since their reformation.

Further Reading

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The post X Japan Bass Player Heath Has Died at 55 appeared first on Music Feeds.

Melbourne/Naarm-based rock’n’roll band Romero have shared the sad news that guitarist Adam Johnstone died of cancer in mid-October. He was 32. The band’s drummer, Dave Johnstone, posted a lengthy tribute to his late brother and bandmate on Romero’s social media channels. “I am left incomplete now that he is gone,” said Dave Johnstone.

Johnstone had been battling cancer since 2019 and passed away at home, with family and friends by his side, on Tuesday, 17th October. “He was my brother, bandmate and best friend for my whole life,” said Dave. Johnstone was also a member of the band Summer Blood and recorded solo under the alias Boredwalk.

Romero – ‘Halfway Out the Door’

Romero released their debut album, Turn It On!, in April 2022. It caught the attention of US tastemakers Pitchfork, who called it “a perfect soundtrack to sweltering drives to the beach and sweaty times at the bar.”

Pitchfork‘s Evan Minsker summed up Romero’s sound as “equal parts joyous power pop, scuzzy punk, and early ’00s NYC indie sleaze—with some Thin Lizzy-ass ’70s hard-rock guitar solos to turn up the excitement a few more notches.”

In his statement, Dave Johnstone revealed that Adam had “recorded the Romero album and 7” while in various stages of treatment, and remained tough (and vegan) until the very end.” Johnstone “fought so hard over the past 5 years,” said Dave, and “[he] deserves the peaceful rest and eternal sunshine of whatever lies beyond.”

Further Reading

Jamie Tiller, DJ and Music From Memory Co-Founder, Has Died

Comedian Cal Wilson Has Died at the Age of 53

Died Pretty’s Ron S Peno Has Passed Away

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British DJ Jamie Tiller – one of the co-founders of the influential Amsterdam-based label Music From Memory – has died, the label confirmed on social media. Tiller passed away on Sunday, 15th October following “a tragic accident,” the statement said. Details of a service honouring Tiller’s professional and artistic legacy are to be announced.

Tiller was a regular visitor to Australia. He was here in September 2023 as part of Music From Memory’s tenth anniversary celebrations. The label held parties at Melbourne’s Fairfield Amphitheatre and Sydney’s Red Rattler. Tiller was also on the lineup for Now or Never‘s NONSTOP WKND, taking charge of the decks at the SPASTA party at Max Watt’s.

Jamie Tiller dies following a “tragic accident”

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A post shared by Music From Memory (@music_from_memory)

“We are deeply saddened and heartbroken to announce that our dear friend and founder of Music From Memory, Jamie Tiller passed away on Sunday, October 15 following a tragic accident,” the label said in its statement.

“Our deepest condolences go out to Jamie’s wife, son and family and friends,” the statement continued, “We wish them all the strength in the world to get through this incredibly difficult time.

“Jamie was an absolute inspiration and an amazing friend. He approached music with a purity and humility that gave joy to so many. He leaves behind a legacy that will continue to touch and inspire people all around the world.”

Familiarise yourself with Tiller’s work via the Music From Memory Bandcamp page and Tiller’s NTS show archive.

Further Reading

Now or Never’s NONSTOP WKND Presents 36 Hours of Live Music and DJs Across Melbourne’s CBD

The Isley Brothers’ Rudolph Isley Has Died at 84

Smash Mouth Singer Steve Harwell Has Died Aged 56

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