What About Me bassist Ian Lees dies suddenly, wife undergoes chemotherapy
Australia’s most acclaimed country music artists are grieving the tragic sudden death of the bass player behind one of the nation’s best known anthems, while his wife also faces her own health battle.
For more than four decades, Ian Lees was the bassist everyone wanted on their record – from Moving Pictures’ chart-topping What About Me to albums with Lee Kernaghan, Gina Jeffreys, Tommy Emmanuel and countless other Australian music legends.
His sudden death from a heart attack on Sunday has exposed a heartbreaking family tragedy – his wife Meny is currently fighting for her life against stage three ovarian cancer.
The shocking news has left the Australian music industry reeling, with those who knew him best now rallying to help.
Golden Guitar winner Melinda Schneider, who employed Mr Lees as her bassist for more than 25 years and was scheduled to tour with him in two weeks, has launched an urgent fundraiser to support the grieving family.
“Upon hearing of the sudden loss of our gorgeous friend and incredibly talented bandmate Ian Lees, I wanted to do something to support his beautiful wife Meny and daughter Erin in their time of need,” Ms Schneider wrote in an emotional plea to supporters.
“I am in absolute shock that we have lost one of the most beautiful humans on the planet.
“Ian Lees was in my band for over 20 years, he was the most gorgeous, funny, talented, empathetic, wise man.
“We’ve laughed, we’ve cried, we’ve managed difficult situations together (and there are many challenging ones on the road) and he always carried himself with grace and the most disarming sense of humour, which always lightened the mood.”
Meny is unable to work while undergoing intensive chemotherapy treatment that will last 12 months, and now faces the unimaginable task of grieving her husband while continuing treatment since her diagnosis just two months ago.
Many heartbroken musicians have now taken to social media to honour Mr Lees.
Moving Pictures vocalist Alex Smith paid tribute to his bandmate of three decades in an emotional Facebook post, writing: “Forever and ever my friend, and just quietly the world’s greatest bass player. I love you mate.”
But Mr Lees’ impact extended far beyond Moving Pictures – he was a sought-after session musician who worked with the Kevin Borich Express, the James Blundell Band, the Mal Eastick Band, and Lee Kernaghan, as well as the Toyota Star Maker band.
Country music star Kristy Cox captured the sentiment of many when she said: “Some musicians leave a mark with their sound; Ian Lees left a mark with his soul. His groove was deep, his tone unforgettable, and his presence made every gig brighter.”
Gina Jeffreys, who toured with Ian on and off for 30 years and featured him on her records throughout the 1990s, shared a deeply personal tribute: “My heart is broken. Just can’t believe Ian Lees is gone. Truly the most talented bass player, the nicest guy and the funniest human you could ever meet.”
Singer Aleyce Simmonds, who worked with Ian for over 20 years, wrote: “Your comedy music recordings will remain up there with the best forever. You are so loved xx.”
Producer and musician Angus Gill added: “A legendary musician and a truly kind soul. A huge loss to the Australian music community.”
Ian was integral to Moving Pictures’ success during two stints from 1978 to 1987, and again from 2011.
He played on their iconic 1982 hit What About Me, which reached number 29 on the US Billboard charts and was later revived by Australian Idol runner-up Shannon Noll, who covered it on the show’s inaugural season in 2004.
He also featured on the band’s hit “Never” from the 1984 Footloose soundtrack, recording three albums after their 1981 debut Days of Innocence hit number one in Australia.
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Originally published as What About Me bassist Ian Lees dies suddenly, wife undergoes chemotherapy
