The Saints Lead Singer Chris Bailey Has Passed Away

Lead singer of legendary Aussie rock band The Saints, Chris Bailey has died.

The singer-songwriter's passing was announced on social media this morning via the band.

"It is with great pain in our hearts that we have to inform you about the passing of Chris Bailey, singer and songwriter of The Saints, on April the 9th, 2022," the statement said.

"Chris lived a life of poetry and music and stranded on a Saturday night."

READ MORE: 10 Tracks From The Saints’ Chris Bailey You Need To Check Out

Bailey founded the Brisbane band, whose first hit was 1976's (I’m) Stranded, in 1973 alongside Ed Kuepper and Ivor Hay. They went on to record 14 studio albums across a multi-decade career.

Kuepper has shared: “Chris and I met when we were about 14 during detention at Oxley High School and became close friends which later developed into what I always thought was an extremely strong artistic partnership, I couldn't have hoped for a better singer.

“My deepest condolences to his wife Elisabet, his sisters Margaret, Carol and Maureen and the rest of his family and loved ones.”

Tributes have begun to flow for the ARIA Hall Of Famer. Duff McKagan of Guns 'N' Roses tweeted: "Rest in peace Chris Bailey. Twenty-one years is a long, long time to be in this prison when there ain't no crime. Saints forever."

Radio host Zan Rowe described Bailey as “a giant in punk music’s history, and present. What a loss,” while musician Lindsay McDougall credited him as “a co-creator of punk music".

Jimmy Barnes, ARIA and more are among those also paying tribute.

very sad to confirm the news about Chris Bailey dying on the weekend. Chris and I met when we were about 14 during detention at Oxley High School and became close friends which later developed into what I always thought was an extremely strong artistic partnership, 1/2 pic.twitter.com/hQVKKHYgzT

— Ed Kuepper (@EdKuepper) April 10, 2022

One of the greatest songwriters this country produced has passed away. His band The Saints were punks before punk. He was a master of words and helped tell our story. RIP Chris Bailey pic.twitter.com/jTSdiyKBLy

— Jimmy Barnes (@JimmyBarnes) April 11, 2022

Rest In Peace Chris Bailey. 21 years is a long, long time-to be in this prison when there ain't no crime. Saints forever! https://t.co/rWuvv8r49G

— Duff McKagan (@DuffMcKagan) April 10, 2022

Another legend down. This one a co-creator of punk music. RIP Chris Bailey. pic.twitter.com/pjID8YExmg

— Lindsay McDowens (@doctormcdougall) April 10, 2022

Sad news that Chris Bailey, front man of seminal Brisbane band The Saints, has passed away. The Saints were inducted into the ARIA Hall Of Fame in 2001. Our thoughts are with Chris’ family, friends and fans. pic.twitter.com/wP2i3IiGAJ

— ARIA (@ARIA_Official) April 10, 2022

RIP Chris Bailey. Surely one of the greatest frontmen ever. The Belfast and Inala boy who done good. He inspired so many musicians and lovers of music and protest. He was one big extended middle digit to Joh and the Jackboots at a time when such an attitude was very dangerous.

— Graham Perrett (@GrahamPerrettMP) April 10, 2022

Chris Bailey of The Saints has died.

A giant in punk music’s history, and present. What a loss. RIP Chris. pic.twitter.com/kwPpZWzfUb

— Zan Rowe (@zanrowe) April 10, 2022