Roll Of Honour 2025: Remembering Aussie Music Legends
2025 was a heartbreaking year for Australian music, as we said goodbye to some of the legends who shaped our sound. From country pioneers to glam rock icons, these artists left an indelible mark on our culture. In this roll of honour, we remember them in order of their passing, celebrating their careers and the music that lives on. Let’s pay tribute to the talents we lost.
Chad Morgan OAM (January 1, aged 91) Chad Morgan, born Chadwick William Morgan on February 11, 1933, in Wondai, Queensland, was the Sheik of Scrubby Creek—a country music icon with a 70-year career. Known for comedic hits like The Sheik of Scrubby Creek and The Ballad of Bill the Bastard, he was inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame and received an OAM. His humor and storytelling defined Aussie country.
Lance “Link” Smith (January 5, aged 65) Lance Smith, born December 16, 1959, was a versatile musician in The Generation and The Chimps From CHUMP. His contributions to Aussie rock were quiet but essential, leaving a legacy in the scene he loved.
Gordon “Snowy” Fleet (February 17, aged 79) Gordon “Snowy” Fleet, born August 16, 1945, in Liverpool, UK, was The Easybeats’ founding drummer. Playing on Friday on My Mind, he helped put Aussie rock on the global map. His beats defined a generation.
Carlton Spencer (March 17, aged 70) Carlton Spencer, born July 15, 1954, was a keyboard maestro in The Silver Studs, The Stevie Wright Band, Andy Gibb Band, Stevie Wright and Hard Rain, and The Bleach Boys. His work spanned rock and pop, always adding that special touch.
Roger McLachlan (April 17, aged 71) Roger McLachlan, born January 15, 1954, in Riverton, New Zealand, was a bass player for Pyramid, Little River Band, John Farnham Band, and Stars. His grooves on hits like Reminiscing made him a backbone of Aussie rock.
James Baker (May 5, aged 71) James Baker, born March 7, 1954, in Perth, was a punk and rock trailblazer drumming for The Victims, The Scientists, Beasts of Bourbon, and Hoodoo Gurus. His raw energy helped define Australia’s alternative scene.
Col Joye (August 5, aged 89) Col Joye, born Colin Jacobsen on April 13, 1936, was a pop pioneer with Col Joye and The Joy Boys. Hits like Oh Yeah Uh Huh made him the first Aussie to top local charts. ARIA Hall of Famer, he was a trailblazer.
Alan Ingham (September 17, aged 87) Alan Ingham, bass player for Jeff St John and Copperwine, was a key figure in ’60s/’70s rock. His work helped shape the sound of an era.
Chris Doheny (September 19, aged 64) Chris Doheny, vocalist for Geisha, died in a car accident. He sang the AFL Footy Show anthem More Than a Game, leaving a mark on ’80s rock.
Chris Turner (October 22) Chris Turner, guitarist for Buffalo, Scattered Aces, Peter Wells Band, Rose Tattoo, and Chris Turner’s Big Rock Band, was a mainstay in Aussie hard rock.
Robert Taylor (November 4, aged 74) Robert Taylor, guitarist for Dragon, played on hits like Are You Old Enough. His riffs defined ’70s/’80s rock.
Ian Lees (November 23) Ian Lees, bass player for Moving Pictures, contributed to Days of Innocence and What About Me. A quiet force in ’80s rock.
Bob “Bongo” Starkie (November 29, aged 73) Bob “Bongo” Starkie, guitarist for Skyhooks, played on Living in the 70’s and hits like Horror Movie. He died from leukaemia, leaving a glam rock legacy.
Peter McFarlane (December 6) Peter McFarlane, drummer for Finch/Contraband, Swanee, and Kakadu, was a key player in ’70s Aussie rock.
These artists shaped Australian music—may they rest in peace. Thanks for watching; share your memories below.