Vale
Jon English
English-born Australian music legend Jon English has passed away from surgical complications, aged 66.
As ABC reports, English was surrounded by his four children, wife, brother and sister during his last moments. A public memorial service will be held.
Born in London and having moved to Sydney when he was young, English grew up in Cabramatta, dabbling in piano, guitar and drums from a young age.
The rocker's long and storied career spanned many different fields — English starred in two mega-hit TV shows, All Together Now and Against The Wind, the latter winning him a Logie Award in 1979 for 'Best New Talent In Australia'.
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English was also a musical theatre star, garnering his break as Judas in Jesus Christ Superstar, as well as in The Pirates Of Penzance, Hairspray and Rasputin.
Additionally he was an actor in films like Touch And Go and Walk The Talk. Later in life, English moved into film and television scores, picking up a 1991 ARIA Award for Paris.
In 2008 English also ventured into children's television in Time Trackers on Seven Network, in which he played Old Troy. It would be English's last TV role.
English's music career was perhaps most prolific, with hit singles like Hollywood Seven, Turn The Page, Six Ribbons and Hot Town, making him a household name in the '70s.
A number of prominent names have offered their condolences and tributes on social media - among them Parramatta Eels, a team English supported strongly.
Very saddened to hear of the passing of Jon English. His music still plays at every one of our home games. Thank you Jon, and rest in peace.
— Parramatta Eels (@TheParraEels) March 9, 2016
With the passing of Ross Hannaford and now Jon English, this has been a very tough 48 hours for Australian music.
— Bill Shorten (@billshortenmp) March 9, 2016
So sad about passing of legend, Jon English. I've had a couple of great gigs and a few drinks with Jon, he was a top bloke #ripjon
— Beccy Cole (@BecCole) March 9, 2016
He was great as Judas in Jesus Christ Superstar - I remember going as a kid with my Mum - - Jon English dies aged 66 https://t.co/qm0GYkBnUR
— Lenore Taylor (@lenoretaylor) March 9, 2016
ARIA would like to send its sincere condolences to the family, friends & fans of Jon English, who has passed aged 66 pic.twitter.com/SKifCTqS0s
— ARIA (@ARIA_Official) March 9, 2016
RIP Jon English. A great actor and true rock legend. An all round performer and gentleman. You will be missed mate.
— Stevie Jacobs (@sjweather9) March 9, 2016
I first saw Jon English in Pirates of Penzance as a little girl & most recently in Rock Revolution. He was a brilliant performer. #9news
— Julie Snook (@JulieSnook) March 9, 2016
Oh no, no no no, not Jon English too....
— Marieke Hardy (@mariekehardy) March 9, 2016
xhttps://t.co/ZbkFLIYZzg
RIP Jon English, love to your family mate xx https://t.co/ommwBycnwn
— Troy Cassar-Daley (@troycassardaley) March 9, 2016
Glenn A Baker tells us Jon English's widow has confirmed the singer died from an aortic aneurysm. "It is a real shock" Brekky @891adelaide
— Matthew Abraham (@KevCorduroy) March 9, 2016
Jon English.Too sad.The best Judas.Generous on stage. What a privilege Rockwiz had you for a whole tour. xx pic.twitter.com/VbdIrDkKEg
— Julia Zemiro (@julia_zemiro) March 9, 2016
Rest In Peace to an Australian Icon, Jon English. thinking of his family and loved ones today. #JonEnglish #RIP pic.twitter.com/PbFakYK55O
— The Wolfe Brothers (@Wolfe_Brothers) March 9, 2016