Chris Bailey, lead singer of legendary Australian punk band The Saints, has died. The band announced the sad news via a social media post on Monday (April 11).
“It is with great pain in our hearts that we have to inform you about the passing of Chris Bailey, singer and songwriter of The Saints, on April the 9th 2022,” the statement said. “Chris lived a life of poetry and music and stranded on a Saturday night.”
Bailey, who was born in 1957, co-founded the legendary band in 1973 with guitarist Ed Kuepper and drummer Ivor Hay who he met at high school. After starting out as Kid Galahad and the Eternals, they changed their name to The Saints in 1974, in 1976, found fame with their single (I’m) Stranded, about growing up in Brisbane.
The Saints | ‘(I’m) Stranded’
Kuepper, who left the band in 1978, reflected on the loss of his friend in a social media post, saying:
"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," he said.
"I couldn't have hoped for a better singer. My deepest condolences to his wife Elisabet, his sisters Margaret, Carol and Maureen and the rest of his family and loved ones."
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
The Saints are globally recognized as trailblazing figures of the late 1970s punk movement, alongside iconic bands like The Clash and Sex Pistols.(I'm) Stranded is one of the most influential punk songs of all time – officially listed as one of the top 30 Australian songs of all time by APRA. In 2001, The Saints were inducted into the ARIA Hall Of Fame.
Bailey’s songs had an influence on countless artists, across generations and genres. Everyone from fellow Aussies like Nick Cave and INXS to international artists The Jesus and Mary Chain, Guns N' Roses, and Bruce Springsteen.
The Saints | ‘No Your Product’
Guns N' Roses bassist Duff McKagan paid tribute to Bailey on social media, sharing lyrics from The Saints 1977 single No, Your Product.
"Rest in peace Chris Bailey. Twenty-one years is a long, long time to be in this prison when there ain't no crime. Saints forever," McKagan wrote.
Rest In Peace Chris Bailey. 21 years is a long, long time-to be in this prison when there ain't no crime. Saints forever! https://t.co/rWuvv8r49G
— Duff McKagan (@DuffMcKagan) April 10, 2022
Aussie rock legend, Jimmy Barnes described The Saints as “punks before punk". "One of the greatest songwriters this country produced has passed away," he wrote. "He was a master of words and helped tell our story."
One of the greatest songwriters this country produced has passed away. His band The Saints were punks before punk. He was a master of words and helped tell our story. RIP Chris Bailey pic.twitter.com/jTSdiyKBLy
— Jimmy Barnes (@JimmyBarnes) April 11, 2022
Listen to The Saints on Spotify:
Listen to The Saints on Apple Music:
