A long-serving member of Aussie rock legends Cold Chisel has died following a battle with cancer.
The Adelaide-formed pub rockers announced via Instagram that Andy Bickers, the band’s longstanding saxophone, died on Friday morning.
In an emotional social media post, the band described the saxophonist as a “brother and an incredible musician”.
“Our much-loved sax player of more than 30 years, Andy Bickers, passed away this morning after a hard-fought battle with cancer,” the post reads.
“Andy was our brother; an incredible musician and a great person to be out on the road or out on the town with.
“His valuable contribution onstage to songs like Rising Sun, Saturday Night and My Baby will be sorely missed.
“Our hearts break for his wife Lisa and his son Rudy.”
Chisel lead singer Jimmy Barnes paid personal tribute to Bickers.
“We were friends not only because he was a great player but he was funny, intelligent, and most importantly, he was a good man,” Barnes posted.
“Lots of love to Lisa and Rudy.
“You will be sadly missed, Andy x”
Following the news of Bickers’ death, tributes were shared under the post, including from former breakfast TV host Michael Rowland.
“RIP Andy. Condolences to his family. Thanks for the music,” he wrote, adding a heart
Originally from Wellington in New Zealand, Bickers relocated to Australia after growing fascinated with Aussie music videos.
He became a regular fixture on the live circuits of Melbourne and Sydney.
He then was invited to join Jimmy Barnes’ touring band which led to him becoming a member of Cold Chisel.
He has also toured with other big names including The Eagles, Midnight Oil and Diesel.