Oz Mourns Four Musicians

The Australian music industry was mourning the deaths in the same week of four of its own, three of cancer or related illnesses.

Chris Bailey, bassist with The Angels, died of cancer. He was diagnosed with the disease nine months ago and continued playing with the hard rock band until January.

In his final weeks, he cut eight tracks with them for their next album. He was 62. Bailey’s death comes after the band’s singer Doc Neeson was diagnosed with a brain tumor in December.

Cancer also took the life of bassist Neil Smith, an early member of AC/DC and Rose Tattoo.

West Australian country singer-turned-politician Ernie Bridge died at 76 after a battle with asbestosis and mesothelioma. Bridge released five albums through EMI Music Australia between 1979 and 1990, and was inducted into the Country Music Hands of Fame in 1995. He was given a state funeral.

International arranger and conductor Tommy Tycho passed at 84 after a period of ill health following a stroke in 2008. The Hungarian-born pianist was music director for the live-to-air Seven Network and the light entertainment Mo awards.

He was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire in 1977 and became a Member of the Order of Australia 10 years later.