Stevie Wright: The Easybeats Frontman Dies At 68 (TWEETS)

Stevie Wright, the lead singer of Australian rock band The Easybeats, died at the age of 68 on Sunday following an illness, according to music website Noise11.

Rock historian Glenn A. Baker confirmed the passing of the rock legend to radio station 6PR, according to The Guardian.

Wright formed The Easybeats in 1964, and the group, which included songwriting duo Harry Vanda and George Young, quickly gained popularity in Australia as a pop band. The Easybeats' most notable hit was "Friday On My Mind," which ranked No. 1 in Australia in 1966 and also topped charts in other countries, including the U.S. and U.K. The song was later covered by David Bowie on his 1973 album "Pin-Ups."

Following the band's spilt in 1969, Wright collaborated with Vanda and Young on another hit, the 11-minute song "Evie," in 1974, according to The Sydney Morning Herald.

Wright struggled with alcohol and substance abuse, including a heroin addiction, in the years that followed and later suffered from diabetes, liver and kidney problems.

Wright, who was inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame as a member of The Easybeats in 2005, made his final appearance at the Legends of Rock Festival in 2009.

Many people took to Twitter to offer their condolences to the rock legend, including musicians Troy Cassar-Daley and Neil Finn.

Tags

Australia, Australian, Rock band, Rock