Blues Music Legend Rick Steele Passes Away

Rick Steele, one of New Zealand and Australia’s most revered blues musicians, passed away yesterday (10 March). He was 77.

Known for his blues guitar and harmonica playing, Rick Steele is also the father of Luke (of The Sleepy Jackson and Empire Of The Sun fame), Katy (of Little Birdy fame), Jake, and Jesse Steele. Rick and his wife, Liz, married in 1976.

Born in Auckland, New Zealand, Rick Steele relocated to Perth in 1971. He went on to help shape the WA music scene through a string of releases, performing in numerous bands, and helping found the Perth Blues Club. He also formed the Hot Biscuit Band in the 1970s.

In addition to the Hot Biscuit Band, Steele toured and performed with bands including Split Enz, Dragon, and the Little River Band. Consistently referred to as a great live act, Rick Steele was inducted into the WAM Awards Hall of Fame in 2016.

His wife, Liz, shared the sad news of his passing. She described him as “a true legend, a voice and a shepherd for the common man, a blues man, a storyteller with a heart of gold.”

“On March 10th at 5.55 pm, my husband of 49 years went to be with the Lord,” Liz Steele wrote on Facebook.

“He passed away peacefully, with his family by his side after a brave battle with his health. A true legend, a voice and a shepherd for the common man, a blues man, a storyteller with a heart of gold. I’ll miss that unmistakable voice and that classic sense of humor.”

She continued, “He spent his life soothing the souls of so many through his incredible gift of music. He was an eccentric, an artist with a beautiful flair. He loved his family, dog, garden and his castle.

“An advocate for charity, he always wanted to give, give and give a little more. A father figure and mentor to many. May God bless you and keep you always, and may you stay forever young.

“Love always, Liz.”

The Perth Blues Club added, “We are most saddened to inform you all of the passing of our beloved club president Mr Rick Steele... We extend our sincerest condolences to Liz and all the family. He will be sorely missed. RIP Rick.”

Rick Steele’s most recent solo album, Through My Eyes, was released independently in 2008. Katy and Luke feature throughout the album.