Australians - and New Zealanders - are paying tribute to Stevie Wright, widely regarded as Australia's first international pop star, after he died aged 68.
Australian band The Easybeats achieved international success in just five years. Photo: AAP
He became a superstar at the age of 16, as lead singer of iconic 1960s rock band The Easybeats.
Their song, 'Friday On My Mind', became a global hit and was voted the best Australian song ever in a 2001 poll.
The group broke up after five years, but their music was later covered by David Bowie, INXS and many others.
RIP Stevie Wright , he created musical magic that lives on
— neil mullane finn (@NeilFinn) December 27, 2015
If you guys haven't listened to the Easybeats, you're missing out. They're one of my all time favorite bands. Stevie Wright was amazing. RIP
— Dylan Gardner (@dylangardner) December 27, 2015
The Easybeats were a true international success of which Australia could be justifiably proud. #RIPSteveWright
— Michael Byrnes (@MichaelByrnes) December 27, 2015
Friday On My Mind is a straight-up banger – maybe the best song by any Australian, ever #ripsteviewright
— Elle Hunt (@mlle_elle) December 28, 2015
Battling drug and alcohol addiction, he underwent electric shock treatments and "deep sleep therapy" - medically induced comas - in the 1970s, that left him with long-term after-effects.
The Sydney private hospital that treated him was later the subject of a Royal Commission after dozens of patients died.
Members of The Easybeats, left to right: Harry Vanda, Stevie Wright, and Snowy Fleet (2005). Photo: AAP
He passed away in hospital on Sunday night.
From 'Ten Pound Pom' to international star
- BBC
