In Memoriam: The Industry Greats We Lost This Week

It’s been a devastating couple of month as far as rock legends passing goes, and the last few days has seen a number of other greats join the likes of David Bowie, Lemmy and Stevie Wright.

With so much going on within and outside the industry, it can be hard to find the appropriate time to step back and reminisce and appreciate their careers, so we’ve put together a little something to highlight some of the achievements of George Martin, Jon English, Ross Hannaford, and Andrew Loomis.

George Martin

Endearingly referred to as The Beatles fifth member, legendary producer George Martin passed away yesterday aged 90, which sparked a wealth of tributes after Ringo Starr tweeted the sad news. Martin not only helped to shape The Beatles sound, but also got them a record deal when no one would sign them, so it’s no surprise fans around the world are mourning the loss.

The icon worked closes with America, Jeff Beck, Cheap Trick, Ella Fitzgerald, Dire Straits and more during his impressive career, winning numerous awards and contributing to countless hits.

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Jon English

A little closer to home, English-born Aussie music legend Jon English passed away surrounded by family earlier today following complications during routine surgery.

During his 66 years on this planet, English achieved a momentous amount, not only conquering music but starring in mega-hit TV shows All Together Now and Against The Wind, acting in films like Touch And Go and Walk The Talk and having major theatre success, most notably for his role as Judas in Jesus Christ Superstar, and spots on The Pirates Of Penzance, Hairspray and Rasputin. 

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Ross Hannaford

Another Aussie icon taken too soon, Daddy Cool’s Ross Hannaford passed away early this week aged 65 following a battle with cancer.

The Melbourne artist got his start with The Pink Finks in 1965 with Ross Wilson, who he played in a number of bands with, before the pair established themselves in the well-known Daddy Cool in 1970, producing hits Eagle Rock, Daddy Who? Daddy Cool, Sex, Dope, Rock'n'Roll: Teenage Heaven and more.

After Daddy Cool released a new record, The New Cool, in 2007, Hannaford released his first solo studio full-length under his own name late last year.

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Andrew Loomis

Helping to shape garage rock, punk veteran Andrew Loomis also passed away following a battle with cancer. The 54 year old was reportedly cancer-free at the time, but had taken "a sudden and sharp, unexpected turn for worse a couple of weeks ago" and tests determined he had a number of minor strokes at home that led to respiratory problems.

Loomis was best known as the drummer for Oregon punk outfit Dead Moon who released 10 studio albums and were integral to shaping the DIY scene in the 1980s and '90s.

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