Tumbleweed Bassist Jay Curley Passes Away

26 August 2014 | 10:41 am | Staff Writer

He died suddenly in his home yesterday

Jay Curley far left

Jay Curley far left

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Jason 'Jay' Curley, bassist for much loved Australian stoner rock band Tumbleweed, has died suddenly in his Tarrawanna, Wollongong, home yesterday. He was 42.

The band confirmed the news on Facebook today, writing, “It is with deep sadness that we inform everyone of a great loss in the Tumbleweed family, our brother, friend and bass player Jay Curley passed away suddenly in his home yesterday.

“We are still shocked by the news of his death. We hope that people will remember him for his music, his big heart and his total dedication to rock and roll.”

The Wollongong band were one of Australia’s best loved rock bands during the early ‘90s, before splitting in 1996. After on-and-off spurts of activity they reformed the line-up in 2009.

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Drummer Steve O'Brien remembered him today, telling theMusic.com.au, "Jay lived the rock dream and lifestyle. The party never ended for Jay, it just began again somewhere else. Here's hoping now he's swapping riffs with Dean from Magic Dirt and Dee Dee Ramone. Vale."

Guitarist Paul Hausmeister added, "Jay, the face of Wollongong rock’n’roll. Long hair, big smile, tattoos on the outside with a warm, loving, gentle soul on the inside. Always had time for a chat, a beer and a laugh.

"With an incredible natural talent for killer bass riffs and total commitment to his craft every time he strapped on a guitar. He has inspired countless musicians over the last 30 years and will continue in the future.   

"The Australian rock’n’roll community has lost a great musician and a great bloke. We have lost a great mate."

In 2012 Jay’s brother Lenny, guitarist with the band, spoke to theMusic.com.au about the reformation.

“A couple years ago I didn't think it possible at all. At this point I don't think I'm amped, I'm just trying to get through it and get it finished. It's a workmanlike approach, we just want to get it out there, but it's hard to find the time to work on things.

“We aren't professional musicians in that we don't play our instruments every day, and we don't play a hell of a lot, plus there are now work commitments and different lifestyles than we had back then. But maybe we can make that work for us; we're doing things on laymen's terms now, with integrity. We don't desire to be rich rockstars, we just want to be artistic and creative.”

Above Jay Curley picture by David Harris

Story updated 3.45pm