Copyright dailystar
Legendary 1970s rock star Chris Turner has died after an extended battle with ill health. The Australian music icon, renowned for his collaborations with legends Angry Anderson and Billy Thorp, died on Wednesday October 22nd in his late 60s, as confirmed by US vocalist Cletis Carr. In a heartfelt tribute, he wrote: "Still processing the loss of my long-time friend, bandmate, and surrogate 'big brother' Chris Turner. "We lost Chris just a few hours ago, he'd been battling multiple health issues for many year. "I'd just phoned him last Wednesday, he was frustrated at now being wheelchair-bound, but was upbeat and optimistic about being back in the studio, mixing tracks for a new release. My sympathies and love go out to family." Turner launched his musical journey in the 60s, collaborating with giants including David Bowie, Steve Marriott and John Mayall, reports the Express . He started touring New Zealand with his outfits The Chris Turner Group and The Wranglers. His career soared in the 70s, performing alongside Angry Anderson's outfit Rose Tattoo and Sydney's Buffalo. Turner established himself as a cherished musician across Australia , forging a career spanning six decades during which he collaborated with hundreds of artists and laid down dozens of records, inspiring multiple generations of guitarists. The rock legend's wellbeing started deteriorating as he endured several major hand surgeries in the 1990s, though he remained determined to continue performing. He continued to record, perform and produce on a variety of rock and blues albums, and kept performing live well into the 2010s. His later ventures included The Blues Pirates, The Cave Men, Turner & Simmons, and collaborations with Alex Smith from Moving Pictures. He leaves behind his three children, Jesse, Billy and Tilly. Tributes have flooded social media, with one fan writing: "Quite a shock. Liked his work in Buffalo & solo career from the Big Rock Records catalogue. RIP Chris." Another posted: "A Gentleman with a big heart. RIP Mr Turner." A third commented: "Saw Chris many times with his bandmates at the Monday music trivia at Miss Celie's in Ashfield, Sydney. Condolences to family and friends." A fourth shared: "RIP Chris thanks for the memories condolences to his family and friends."
