Harvey James has sadly lost his recent battle with lung cancer and passed away last night around 8:15pm. Unfortunately his disease turned out to be inoperable.
Harvey was long-time player in the Australian music scene, having been in popular bands such as Mississippi and Ariel, before shooting to national prominence in 1975. He replaced Clive Shakespeare as Sherbet’s guitarist while they were at the peak of their career.
His Daughter Alexandra released the following statement on Facebook last night.
“Dad passed away peacefully at 8.15pm tonight. We would like to thank everybody for all the wonderful support over the past 6 months. The love has been overwhelming. Rest in peace my gorgeous, funny, amazing father. We will miss you everyday forever”.
There is another benefit concert organised for the 17th of February at the Factory Theatre in Sydney which will feature some of Australia’s finest performers including Richard Clapton, Renee Geyer, Dragon, Ian Moss, Swanee, Kevin Borich and Lindsay Wells of Healing Force. Sherbet themselves have re-formed for the show which will no doubt be an emotional night for all concerned.
It was Harvey’s wish that part of the money raised during the benfit will go to support the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre.
Harvey James 20/09/1952- 15/01/2011 R.I.P.
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I started working for the Sherbs 31 years ago this month. They were all 8 to 10 years older than me and vastly more experienced. They all (none more than Harvey) took me under their wing and made me feel like family. I loved Harvey’s playing, his company and his humour. I will never forget that wonderful couple of years working for Sherbet, and I will never forget you Harvey James.
Just heard the sad news…… So long, Harvey old mate. Another taken too young. JR.
Goodbye Harvey…..
I bought a guitar from Harvey when he worked at Brashs in Sydney in 1987, I remember he said he liked my playing when I was trying out the guitar (Kramer). He was very friendly and helpful.
Rest In Peace Harvey… I only met you in the 90′s when you worked with Tony at Music Junction… you were a funny and lovely guy… so sad to see you go…
Tay Lugton
& Tony Lugton
I remember meeting Harvey at Concord RSL after they had come back from the USA – sat talking to him for about an hour as he is a Pom – he was so nice and realised that I wasnt some young drunk groupie but that I really loved their music – even though I was drunk lol. Met Darryl and the others too except the drummer – lovely guys. Such a sad loss.
And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make . . .
RIP Harvey.
Have been a huge fan of Harvey’s ever since he, Mike and Bill putted their way to London’s Abbey Rd studios to record Rock and Roll Scars. Just love his work on that album and some of his Sherbet stuff especially “Blueswalkin”. A great player, a wonderful man and a true guitar legend of Australia.
I just heard about the passing of Harvey James, I met him a few times whilst working at Ivanhoe music, he was a great person will be sadly missed by everyone, my thoughts with all his loved ones…
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