‘Festival of Richard’: How Underground Lover’s drummer Richard Andrews and his wife approached his cancer death

The drummer of the iconic Underground Lover’s band died after a cancer fight at age 58. Here is how spent his last days.

Richard Andrews officially married his wife Nicolette Powell-Andrew before his death. Picture: Suzanne Phoenix

Underground Lovers drummer Richard Andrew was the life of the party, even on his deathbed.

When Richard and his wife Nicolette Powell-Andrew were sent home from the hospital after his failed chemotherapy treatment, they made the decision to celebrate his life and invited all their loved ones to join them.

Close friend Julia Messenger said the celebration was like a “festival of Richard”.

“They had a complete open door policy, nobody was pushed away,” she said.

Richard sat in his bed, with spiked hair and groovy sunglasses, playing loud music and spinning records.

“He spent his whole life creating communities,” Ms Messenger said.

“Richard was eloquent, fascinating, the life of the party and an incredible person.

“The way he approached death will affect all of us when it is our time.”

Richard was an incredibly talented musician who played in the bands Underground Lovers, Crow, Black Cab, his own band Registered Nurse and more. Picture: Suzanne Phoenix

Included in the setlist for festival of Richard was officially marrying his beloved partner Nicolette.

He proposed at 1am and tied the knot in a beautiful country ceremony two days later.

“They got unofficially married a few years ago but Richard wanted their love to be official on the births, deaths and marriages registry,” Ms Messenger said.

The wedding was filled with love ones and livestreamed to all those who could not attend.

“I think to be angry or scared doesn’t change anything,” Richard said during his wedding speech.

“What I am about to experience is the most natural thing any one living ever does.

“The hardest part is leaving my gorgeous Nikki, and all of you.”

Richard with the rest of the Underground Lovers. Picture: Supplied.

Richard will be remembered for his generous and loving nature, his free spirit and the impact he left behind on the Melbourne music scene.

Richard was an incredibly talented musician who played in the band such as Underground Lovers, Crow, Black Cab, his own band Registered Nurse and more.

His latest venture was his solo project RJ Andrew and his Black River album.

Aside from playing music, Richard was a skilful producer who began his own record label, Pharmacy Records.

“To pull of a record company in Melbourne is no small feat,” Ms Messenger said.

“He did it while supporting young artists.

“Richard was the biggest advocate for the Melbourne music scene.”

Ms Messenger created a GoFundMe to help support Nicolette after Richard’s passing.

It has raised more than $11,000.