Chris Bailey, the legendary punk band The Saints’ Australian vocalist and lyricist, died at the age of 65. The band revealed in a statement that the vocalist was no longer alive and that he died on April 9, 2022. Bailey was the band’s longest-serving member, and he also made a number of solo recordings. The singer’s cause of death has yet to be revealed. Bailey’s death was also verified by the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA):
“Chris Bailey, the frontman of pioneering Brisbane band The Saints, has died… Our hearts go out to Chris’ family, friends, and fans.”
On Twitter fans pay homage to Chris Bailey.
After learning of the late singer’s passing, musicians and fans went to social media to offer their respects. Some admirers lauded Bailey and his work, describing him as a legend and a punk music behemoth, while others commended him as an inspiration to future artists. Notably, The Saints’ Ed Kuepper said in a tweet that he met Bailey when they were 14 years old while in prison.
very sad to confirm the news about Chris Bailey dying on the weekend. Chris and I met when we were about 14 during detention at Oxley High School and became close friends which later developed into what I always thought was an extremely strong artistic partnership, 1/2 pic.twitter.com/hQVKKHYgzT
— Ed Kuepper (@EdKuepper) April 10, 2022
Chris Bailey One of the best singers Thé Saints one of the best bands. Vale and thank you Chris. pic.twitter.com/dLxvROvrvc
— Warren Ellis (@warrenellis13) April 10, 2022
Chris BaileyBailey’s Bio
Bailey was born in 1957 in Kenya to Irish parents. He lived in Belfast for the first seven years of his life before moving to Australia. While still in high school in Brisbane, Australia, he met guitarist Ed Kuepper and drummer Ivor Hay. Kid Galahad and the Eternals was formed in 1973 by the trio. They renamed the band The Saints in 1974, and they went on to become a forerunner of punk music in Australia. The band’s first success, the legendary punk hymn I’m Stranded, was followed by the publication of their first album of the same name in 1977.
