Former Hobart funk and soul singer-guitarist Leo de Castro dies at 70

MUCH-loved former Hobart funk and soul musician Leo De Castro has died in New Zealand, aged 70.

Singer Leo De Castro played a final gig at the Republic Bar in North Hobart before returning to his native New Zealand more than a decade ago.

MUCH-loved former Hobart musician Leo de Castro has died in his native New Zealand, aged 70.

De Castro was a renowned funk and soul singer-guitarist who was well known in the Hobart live music scene.

De Castro was born Kiwi Leo de Castro Kino on New Zealand’s North Island in 1948.

In 1969 he moved to Sydney, going on to become a major figure in Australian music.

Singer Leo De Castro

De Castro was considered one of Australia’s best rock and soul voices and always stayed true to his live music roots.

From 1969 to 1995 he worked in Australia in a variety of bands including The Browns, King Harvest, Johnny Rocco Band and Leo de Castro and Friends.

De Castro did not always gain the rewards he deserved — he had first bite at the song Heading In the Right Direction, but it was Renee Gayer who took it into the charts.

De Castro moved to Hobart in the 1980s and became a fixture on the local live music scene, playing both solo and with his country band Leo de Castro and the Cuban Heels and with soul band the Warriors.

He was a familiar face at venues including the Republic Bar and Round Midnight.

De Castro left Hobart to return to New Zealand in 2008.

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