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Cold Chisel Drummer Steve Prestwich Dies Aged 56

Posted on Jan 17th 2011 11:00AM by John D. Luerssen

Robert Cianflone, Getty Images

Steve Prestwich, a founding member of the legendary Australian rock band Cold Chisel, died Sunday of a brain tumor. Prestwich, 56, who was diagnosed with the tumour just two weeks ago, apparently underwent surgery on Friday but did not recover consciousness after the procedure.

Prestwich's brother Simon confirmed his death yesterday afternoon to Undercover. A subsequent statement on Cold Chisel's official website paid memory to their fallen drummer.

"Jimmy Barnes, Ian Moss, Phil Small and Don Walker are shattered by the loss," the statement read. "All our thoughts are with Steve's loved ones at this difficult time."

Prestwich co-founded the band in the early 1970s under the name Orange, which changed its name to Cold Chisel in 1974. Although the Barnes-fronted band never achieved success in North America -- despite an attempt after their third album, 1980's 'East' -- the pub rock group was enormously popular in Australia and New Zealand.

Prestwich, who was born in Liverpool, England and raised in Adelaide in South Australia, wrote songs like 'When the War Is Over' and 'Forever Now' for the band's 1982 album 'Circus Animals.' He also co-wrote, with the band's keyboard player and chief songwriter Don Walker, the band's swansong hit 'Flame Trees,' regarded as an Australian rock classic.

Prestwich left Cold Chisel in early 1983 -- rejoining for the band's 'Last Stand' farewell tour -- and played briefly with the Little River Band in the mid-1980s, before coming back to Cold Chisel for reunions in 1998, 2003 and 2005. The band was reportedly considering a 2011 comeback until Prestwich's death.

Steve Prestwich was also responsible for two solo albums, 2000's 'Since You've Been Gone' and 2009's 'Every Highway.'

Watch the Video for Cold Chisel's 'Flame Trees'

Filed under: News, R.I.P.
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Ian Hynds

It's sad that Cold Chisel never took in Canada. I'm Canadian and got my first Cold Chisel album, East in 1979. East and Circus Animals were my favs and Chisel became my favorite band for awhile and they're still in my top ten.

I'm really saddened to learn of Prestwich's death today. Such a shame that the time from diagnosis to his passing was so short.

People, check out Flame Trees on YouTube. It's a fabulous Cold Chisel video.

RIP Steve. You will be missed.

February 04 2011 at 7:24 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Dutchy

One of the great bands. Kerrang magazine a few years ago described Cold Chisel as 'quite possibly the greatest band ever'...I wouldn't rush to disagree. Steve was a wonderful drummer and a massive part of that legendary unit. Greatly missed. And no I'm not an Aussie, I'm a Pom.

January 22 2011 at 7:32 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Peter Anderson

I know who Cold Chisel are. Jimmy Barnes, the singer, has had tons of chart topping singles and albums in Australia. He also recorded a version of "Simply the Best" with Tina Turner. I found out about Cold Chisel and other amazing bands from down under by checking out the YouTube channel nzoz1978. He or she has many channels for other years as well. That's how I also got into the music of Dragon, The Angels, Mondo Rock, Little River Band and 1927.

January 19 2011 at 6:31 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

kc0duo

This YOMAMA person has some real issues, doesn't he? And yet he can't even spell "Mellencamp" right.

It's a shame that someone's death becomes a soapbox for tiny little minds like YOMAMA. But that's one thing freedom of speech does accomplish....it clearly shows the mentality of its practicioners. You know, like giving the Klan their own cable channel.....

January 18 2011 at 12:45 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

patricia

Wow, what a hater!! Sure am glad your not MYMAMA!!!

January 18 2011 at 12:28 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

03Mike

YOMAMA
at 1-18-2011FREAKIN LOSER BAND TRIED TO BE LIKE MELLANCAMP...BURN IN HELL

I thought it said that 'inappropriate comments would be removed'. Hello?

January 18 2011 at 12:23 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

03Mike

What the hell is wrong with you?!
You're sick.

January 18 2011 at 12:03 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

JohnBliss

A lot of; "never heard of him" but little respect for the dead. My comment is to Mr John D. Luerssen; in reporting a story, the Who,where, why, what,when.. keyword where? Did he have the surgery in Australia, the UK, US, someone's kitchen table? Having had brain surgery some 6 yrs at UCLA, to remove scar tissue to help with my epilepsy, I'm familar with the process.

January 18 2011 at 11:51 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Allan

never heard of Cold Chisel..or him

January 18 2011 at 11:30 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

tradervic

Sounds like a typical top 40 Australion pop band. Sort of a cross between Crowded House, Men At Work and Midnight Oil but without the writeing talent, which isn't bad if that's what you're into. I don't get the Mellancamp connection.Mellancamp has always admitted to being inspired by Del Shannon,Mitch Ryder And The Detroit Wheels, And the CC Riders which is a far stretch from this type of pop.

January 18 2011 at 11:16 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply