Frontman Of Melbourne Band Big Smoke Passes Away

The frontman of Melbourne alt-country rock outfit Big Smoke, Adrian Slattery, has sadly passed away this weekend. 

The group's label confirmed the news today to theMusic, however a cause of death is yet to be confirmed. 

Fellow Melbourne act The Smith Street Band paid tribute to the late musician earlier today in a statement posted to their Facebook page. 

"Many years ago when I was 18 I made this record with some friends of mine. One of those friends was Adrian Slattery. He played guitar and sang on this album and was a huge part of getting this band off the ground. But even more importantly than that he was one of the first people who really believed in me and gave me the confidence to write songs and play shows. 

"He lives on through his music, Big Smoke and Major Major are two of Melbourne's finest bands, and through the countless other people he inspired."

Big Smoke were most recently writing and recording their debut album Time Is Golden and the follow-up to their acclaimed EP, Lately, released last year.

update: 

In a statement given to theMusic today on behalf of Slattery's family, Big Smoke and the band's labels, Barely Dressed and Remote Control Records, it has been revealed that the musician was diagnosed with terminal cancer last year. 

Big Smoke also confirmed they intend to release their debut album this year.

See the full statement below.