Adrian Slattery, best known as the frontman of Melbourne band Big Smoke, tragically passed away this weekend after a year-long battle with cancer.
The Smith Street Band frontman Will Wagner is among the many musicians, labels, and news outlets to pay tribute to the late Slattery, taking to The Smith Street Band’s official Facebook page to pay his respects.
“Many years ago when I was 18 I made this record with some friends of mine. One of those friends was Adrian Slattery. He played guitar and sang on this album and was a huge part of getting this band off the ground,” Wagner wrote.
“But even more importantly than that he was one of the first people who really believed in me and gave me the confidence to write songs and play shows. Adrian passed away over the weekend and will be sorely missed by everyone who he crossed paths with.”
“He lives on through his music, Big Smoke and Major Major are two of Melbourne’s finest bands, and through the countless other people he inspired. It’s very hard to put these things into words. Rest in peace, mate. Thanks for everything.”
Melbourne-based lo-fi music blog The Craft also paid tribute to Slattery, as well as the band Suicide Swans, and musician Rob Draper, who in a tribute on Facebook called Slattery “One of Melbourne’s best songwriters”.
UPDATE: Adrian’s label, Barely Dressed Records, have confirmed the musician’s death in a statement to Tone Deaf.
“Our good friend Adrian passed away this weekend. Adrian was diagnosed with terminal cancer last year but faced it with grace and strength, working on his music throughout,” they write.
“Big Smoke completed recording their debut album during this time, and we will be releasing it later this year with the help of Adrian’s loved ones and members of the band. We love him and will miss him dearly.”
