Melbourne Music Writer Patrick Emery Passes Away

Melbourne music writer Patrick Emery has passed away at the age of 52.

A devastating and shocking loss for his family and the local music community, Emery was known for being the author of Execution Days - The Life And Times Of Spencer P. Jones and a career of writing for publications including The Age, Beat Magazine, I94 Bar, the Sydney Morning Herald, The Australian, The Brag, X-Press and more.

Loki Lockwood, Director at Spooky Records, shared the news of his passing on behalf of Patrick’s wife Bettina and children Babette and Baptiste.

Patrick Emery suddenly collapsed in the family home on Christmas Eve and was subsequently rushed to the Austin Hospital, where he was diagnosed with a stage four inoperable brain tumour. In a candid, poignant Facebook post, Lockwood wrote that Patrick Emery passed away peacefully with his loving family by his side.

Lockwood’s post continued, “Patrick was a passionate and beautiful soul. There will be many from the music community around the world that will be shocked by this news.

“There’s no doubt that anyone with a passing interest in music will have read his music reviews and interviews for thousands of bands. For those that he wrote about, I know they will be overwhelmingly shocked by the news of his untimely passing.

“His greatest gift to us all was his belief in his beloved local music scene - always wanting to help elevate some little known artist through his writing because he could.”

Lockwood then praised Emery on a personal level for digging deep into music and the people behind the songs, “always producing articulate and expressive writing, even if it wasn’t exactly his thing.

“Of the many personal interviews I did with him, either for my label, my music or his fantastic biography Execution Days - The Life And Times Of Spencer P. Jones, it would involve hours of talking, [and plenty of stuff off topic] often taking place on his back porch. I will forever cherish these moments. I’m in shock, I’m going to miss you Patrick.”

Lockwood concluded, “Please respect the privacy of his family as they process their unfathomable grief. However feel free to leave any comments for the family below if you so desire. When we have more details we’ll let you know.”

The Music can confirm that a memorial service for Patrick Emery will be held at Fitzroy Town Hall in Melbourne on Wednesday, 10 January, at 3 pm.

In conversations with The Music, Lockwood has assured those who knew and loved Patrick Emery that his service will honour his vibrant life, with Melbourne radio broadcaster and celebrant Jon von Goes providing MC services, with light entertainment to follow from local rock heroes Digger & The Pussycats.

The team at The Music sends our deepest condolences to Patrick Emery’s family, Bettina, Babette and Baptiste, and all of his loved ones.