Tributes flow for Bradley Ralph Hooper, who died on April 17, 2022

Tributes are pouring in for Rockhampton’s Brad ‘Hoola’ Hooper, who has been remembered as a “much respected and loved musician” who worked closely with Australian music legends such as Keith Urban.

Tributes have been pouring in for Rockhampton’s Brad ‘Hoola’ Hooper, who has been remembered as a “much respected and loved musician”.

Bradley Ralph Hooper, 64, who lived in Frenchville, passed away “peacefully” at the Mater Hospital on Sunday.

It is understood Brad had been previously diagnosed with cancer.

Brad was the husband of Lisa, father and father-in-law of Clay and Kassie, Dylan and Ashley, and Sam and Monica, and grandfather of Chace, Charlee and Tanner.

Brad ‘Hoola’ Hooper.

His parents were Ralph and Dossie (both deceased) and he was the brother and brother-in-law of Michelle, Kylie and Nick, Jacqui and Brett, and Rodney and Kerry.

Peter Clarke, who was a friend of Brad’s and both members of the band SaltbushSix, said Brad had “entertained the masses and performed with some of the most outstanding bands of his generation” for more than 40 years.

“His guitar playing and vocals were a huge asset to any line-up who was lucky enough to have him on board,” Peter said.

“It was not just his musicianship that made him stand out, it was also his character and his personality.

“A loyal friend and trusted colleague who touched all those who knew him.

“Brad was a humble, gentle soul off stage but known to put on quite a show up on stage.

He said some of the Central Queensland bands Brad performed with over the early years included Impulse, Bronze Lake, Pirate, Rockforce and The Sugar Daddies.

He said Brad was a “much-loved performer” on many of the Variety Bash runs and over the years got to work with a number of recording and touring acts.

“He was a major part of helping Rusty and The Ayers Rockettes become one of the major draw cards on the east coast in the 80s,” he said.

“Through that association Brad went on to work with Keith Urban which evolved into his recent recording band SaltbushSix.

“Brad was a much-loved husband, father, and grandfather.

Brad Hooper jamming with Keith Urban. Picture: Contributed

“His sons have carried on in his tradition and have become talented musicians in their own right, he was so proud of them all.

“He will be deeply missed, not only by his musical family, but all those who were lucky enough to have him in their lives.”

Neil Rach, who performed with Brad in their duo The Sugar Daddies, posted a tribute to social media.

“Last night I lost my best mate whom I loved as a brother,” Neil wrote.

“Many years Brad and I played together in various bands such as Impulse, Bronze Lake, Pirate, Rockforce and our duo The Sugar Daddies.

“As Brad’s fellow musicians and friends have said, he was a great human being.

“I am so proud to say Brad ‘Hoola’ ‘Ears’ was my mate for 45 years.

“You will always be ‘Ears’ to me.

“To all my fellow musicians and friends, my thoughts go out to you.

“To Lisa, Clay, Dylan, Sam, Kylie, Michelle and families, we have lost a big part of our heart.

“Rest in peace mate.”

Geoff (Tuffy) Tough and Brad Hooper playing with Keith Urban at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre on December 19, 2009.

Variety Bash Queensland shared some words on social media about Brad, who was a long-time Variety supporter.

“We are saddened to share with you that long-time Variety supporter Brad ‘Hoola’ Hooper passed away over the weekend,” the Facebook post read.

“Hoola will be remembered by the Variety team as a complete gentleman, an incredible musician, and a much-loved member of the Variety Bash Band and Variety family.

“Our love and thoughts are with Hoola’s family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.

“Rest easy now mate, and thanks for the music!”

The Criterion Hotel also posted a tribute for Brad on social media.

“RIP Brad ‘Hoola’ Hooper,” the Facebook post read.

“Such a massive part of Rocky’s live music scene.

“You will be missed mate all our love. The Turnbull’s and the Criterion Hotel.”

A celebration of Brad’s life was held at Korte’s Resorts’ conference centre in Parkhurst on Friday.