Chris Bailey, legendary singer of Aussie punk rock pioneers The Saints has died at age 65.
Bailey's death was confirmed by the band via their official Facebook page today, with a message reading
"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, Chris lived a life of poetry and music and stranded on a Saturday night"
Born in Nanyuki, Kenya to two Irish parents, Bailey spent the first 7 years of his life living in Belfast before emigrating to Australia, to live in Inala, Brisbane, a move that would eventually change the face of punk rock forever when he met bandmates Ed Kuepper and Ivor Hay at highschool. The band they formed, Kid Galahad and the Eternals, became known as The Saints in 1974 and their 1976 single I'm Stranded blew up internationally, finding favour in the UK and then the world, putting the punk sound on the map before The Ramones or The Sex Pistols had officially released a song.
Watch the video for I'm Stranded below.
The Saints followed I'm Stranded with an album of the same name in 1977, eventually releasing 13 more albums. Bailey was the only member to appear on all thirteen.
Founding guitarist and friend Ed Kuepper who left the band in 1978, due to disputes over creative direction reflected on the life and death of the man with whom he forever changed the face of Australian punk rock, taking to Twitter to give some insight into the connection they shared and the loss he is feeling at this moment.
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
2/2 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. I'll post something longer down the track but for now..
— Ed Kuepper (@EdKuepper) April 10, 2022
Highly regarded by punk rockers all over the globe, Bailey's death has brought out tributes from a number of icons including Duff McKagan of Guns N Roses who shared his thoughts via Twitter, using a set of lyrics from The Saints Know Your Product in tribute.
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
Watch the video for Know Your Product below.
Aussie punks are mourning the loss of the man who put their genre on the map internationally, with Frenzal Rhomb's Lindsay McDougall echoing the thoughts of many with his own tribute post.
Another legend down. This one a co-creator of punk music. RIP Chris Bailey. pic.twitter.com/pjID8YExmg
— Lindsay McDowens (@doctormcdougall) April 10, 2022
At Maniacs, we're equally saddened by the passing of an Aussie punk icon and will be blasting The Saints all day in Bailey's honour.
Listen To The Saints
