Veteran Bassist Bill Putt Dies

Putt, 66, was chopping wood on his rural property 45 kilometers from Melbourne.

Putt and singer-songwriter Mike Rudd began playing together in August 1969, and found success with chart-toppers as “I’ll Be Gone” and “Jamaican Farewell.”

They continued to perform until his death. “I am beyond devastated,” Rudd said. “Bill was an exemplar of the understated bass man.” Putt also spent some years working with the early Air Supply. 

A farewell gig is scheduled Aug. 17 in Strathewen, Victoria.