The lead singer of the punk band The Saints, Chris Bailey is no longer with us. He died at the age of 65. He took his last breath on Saturday. This time must be very difficult for his close friends and family.
What did Bailey’s band members have to say about his death?
The group issued a statement on Monday about the passing away of their band member Chris that read, ‘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 9, 2022.’
They further added, ‘Chris lived a life of poetry and music and stranded on a Saturday night.’ As of now, the cause of the singer’s death is not known.
The Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) also affirmed Bailey’s death. They said, ‘Sad news that Chris Bailey, frontman of seminal Brisbane band The Saints, has passed away… Our thoughts are with Chris’ family, friends, and fans.’
All you need to know about Chris Bailey
Chris was the co-founder and singer of the rock band The Saints. He was born in the year 1957 in Nanyuki, Colony of Kenya to Irish parents. He was raised in Belfast, Northern Ireland until the age of seven. Soon Afterwards, his family moved to Australia.
Bailey and his family settled down in Inala, in Brisbane, Queensland. He and his sister Margaret studied at Inala State High School, Oxley State High School, and Corinda State High School where Ed Kuepper and Ivor Hay were also students.
When was the band The Saints formed?
The Australian rock band The Saints was created in 1973. The band was founded by Chris Bailey (singer-songwriter, later guitarist), Ivor Hay (drummer), and Ed Kuepper (guitarist-songwriter).
In their initial days, the band was labeled as a punk band because just like American punk rock band the Ramones, the Saints were making use of the fast tempos, raucous vocals, and buzzsaw guitar that characterized early punk rock.
Over the last couple of years, many band members kept coming in and leaving but Bailey was a constant throughout. Ivor Hay and Ed Kuepper left the rock band in the year 1979. The final line-up of the band members was as follows: Chris Bailey (lead singer), Peter Wilkinson (drummer), Davey Lane (guitarist), and Pat Bourke (bassist).
During a media interaction, Bob Geldolf, the Boomtown Rats frontman, and Live Aid founder, once said, ‘Rock music in the ’70s was changed by three bands: the Sex Pistols, the Ramones and The Saints.’
When did the band The Saints come into the spotlight?
The Saints recorded two tracks (I’m) Stranded and No Time with Mark Moffatt in June 1976. At the time, they were not able to find any label to produce their songs so they formed Fatal Records and independently released their debut single in September.
Their debut album, (I’m) Stranded received good feedback from all ends. The Saints released their second album, Eternally Yours, in May 1978. From there on, there was no looking back for the band, they kept releasing good music for their fans.
The band was quite inspired by the music of legends such as Little Richard and Elvis Presley and 1960s proto-punk bands like the Missing Links, the Stooges, and MC5.
Till now the band has released a total of 14 studio albums. Their last album was dropped in 2012. Bailey has also released seven solo albums. The Saints are one of the most influential groups of all time. Their music has been appreciated by the viewers as well as the critics.
Why did the band never call themselves a punk band?
During an interaction with The Sydney Morning Herald, Ed Kuepper spilled the beans on the band never calling themselves a punk band. He said, ‘We never called ourselves a punk band… because it didn’t exist as a thing when we were starting.’
The Saints guitarist further added, ‘The funny thing was, once punk exploded in the UK it was on all the front pages and suddenly it became controversial, but we were running free and easy, doing what we wanted. It was a world of absolute innocence and naivete, too.’
How did the celebs react to the sad news?
As soon as the news about Bailey’s death broke out, many celebs stopped by and paid tribute to the legendary singer via the means of social media platform Twitter.
Actress Magda Szubanski wrote, “So so sad to hear Chris Bailey has died. Genius musician. As Bob Geldof said, “Rock music in the seventies was changed by three bands—the Sex Pistols, the Ramones and the Saints”. Condolences to family & friends RIP❤️”
So so sad to hear Chris Bailey has died. Genius musician. As Bob Geldof said, "Rock music in the seventies was changed by three bands—the Sex Pistols, the Ramones and the Saints".
Condolences to family & friends RIP❤️
The Saints – Ghost Ships https://t.co/eLCXVMkabt via @YouTube— Magda Szubanski AO (@MagdaSzubanski) April 11, 2022
Bailey’s former band member Ed Kuepper wrote, “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.”
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
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
The Saints – Know your product https://t.co/iEt6gBp4pz via @YouTube
RIP Chris Bailey. One of our greatest.
Had the pleasure of staying at his amazing, rambling home at Queen St, Woollahra. He was incredibly generous, wickedly funny and just what a rock star should be. Legend.— Rhys Muldoon (@rhysam) April 10, 2022
Singer Jimmy Barnes wrote, “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”
Celeste Liddle penned, “Vale. I’m devastated. Am utter legend. “Don’t talk to me about what you’ve done. Ain’t nothing has changed, it all goes on.”
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
Vale. I’m devastated. Am utter legend.
“Don’t talk to me about what you’ve done. Ain’t nothing has changed, it all goes on.” https://t.co/LkXFBmCk7v
— Celeste Liddle (@Utopiana) April 11, 2022
These were a few reactions of the celebs to the demise of the singer. We send our deepest condolences to the friends and family of Pioneer of Punk, Chris Bailey during this hard time.
Bailey will always be remembered by his fans for the legacy he has left behind, by his music. Don’t forget to stay tuned with us for the latest updates from the world of showbiz.
