Midnight Oil bassist and backing vocalist, Bones Hillman has died at the age of 62. The band announced the sad news over the weekend via their social media channels, with a statement saying that Hillman died on Saturday (Nov 7th) following a battle with cancer.
“We’re grieving the loss of our brother Bones Hillman, who has passed away at his home in Milwaukee today after a cancer battle. He was the bassist with the beautiful voice, the band member with the wicked sense of humour, and our brilliant musical comrade.”
“We will deeply miss our dear friend and companion and we send our sincerest sympathies to Denise, who has been a tower of strength for him. Haere r Bonesy from Jim, Martin, Peter & Rob,” the statement concluded.
We’re grieving the loss of our brother Bones Hillman, who has passed away at his home in Milwaukee today after a cancer battle. He was the bassist with the beautiful voice, the band member with the wicked sense of humour, and our brilliant musical comrade. pic.twitter.com/qP5EJqZowL
… Midnight Oil (@midnightoilband) November 8, 2020
Born Wayne Stevens in 1958, Hillman joined Midnight Oil in 1987 and remained a member until his death. He played bass and sang on every recording the band released since 1990’s Blue Sky Mining. In the US, Hillman also worked as a session musician for Sheryl Crow among others.
Midnight Oil | “Blue Sky Mine”
Hillman’s death comes just days after the Oils released their first new album in eighteen years, The Makarrata Project, featuring collaborations with Indigenous artists. Our thoughts are with his friends and family at this sad time.
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