Christmas tragedy as The Gadflys bass player Jonathan Nix dies leaving fans heartbroken
Musician and award-winning director Jonathan Nicks has been remembered as a multi-talented entertainer and “beautiful man” since his death at the age of 57.
Nicks recorded throughout the 1990s with The Gadflys, whose style of mongrel jazz and acoustic rock was heavily influenced by the Violent Femmes and The Pogues.
He went on to have a successful career writing and directing animated short films, including Hello and The Missing Key, for which he also composed the music.
After being diagnosed with a brain tumor last June, Nicks stepped away from commercial filmmaking to focus on his own art and music.
He died on December 19, leaving behind his wife Catherine and sons Cohen and Arlo.
Musician and award-winning director Jonathan Nicks has been remembered as a multi-talented entertainer and “beautiful man” since his death at the age of 57. Photo shows the Knicks in the mid-1990s.
The Gadflys paid tribute to Nicks on the band’s Facebook page with a heartfelt post.
“Sadly, our old friend and bassist Jonathan Nicks has passed away,” the band wrote. “Our deepest condolences to Catherine and the boys.”
Friends, fans and fellow musicians were shocked to learn of Nicks’ death so close to Christmas.
“It is unfathomable that such a gifted and absolutely incredible artistic spirit and wonderful person is no longer with us,” one woman wrote.
Another said: “This is shocking. Yes. Amazingly talented. Could see the world in a completely unique way.”
Steve Kilbey, lead singer and bass player for The Church, simply said, “Bye John.” TEAR’.
Nicks (above) recorded in the 1990s with The Gadflys, whose style of “mongrel jazz” and acoustic rock was heavily influenced by the Violent Femmes and The Pogues.
Nicks has appeared on The Gadflys’ recordings on bass, banjo, piano, guitar and accordion, as well as vocals.
He appeared on the EPs Don’t Get Me Wrong (1993) and Guru (1994), as well as the albums Dimitri’s Bungalow (1996) and Out of the Bag (1998).
The Gadflys were formed in Canberra in 1982 by brothers Phil and Mick Moriarty. After several breaks, variations in style and lineup changes, they continue to perform more than 40 years later.
A death report in Nine newspapers said Nicks would be cremated after a private service attended only by family members.
A public event in Nicks’ honor will be held early in the new year to “celebrate his life and world-renowned art, musical animation.”
Nix’s family thanked the staff at Chris O’Brien Lifehouse Hospital and said donations can be made to the cancer center in his memory.