Guitar legend dead
Phil Emmanuel (above) has suffered a sudden asthma attack and died ahead of a scheduled performance at a Cootamundra Hotel.
ONE of Australia’s most renowned guitarists, Phil Emmanuel, has died at the age of 65.
The musician died on Thursday evening in the NSW town of Parkes after a sudden asthma attack, reports said.
“On behalf of the family, it is with great sadness that I announce the passing of our much loved brother, Philip Ernest Emmanuel,” his brother Darcy said. “We are all devastated.” Emmanuel began his music career at a young age and by the time he was nine he was touring with his family as “The Emmanuel Quartet”, among other outfits. For six years, the siblings travelled Australia be- fore his first “brush with fame” came when one of their bands, The Trailblazers, won a televised talent contest and subsequently produced an album.
Emmanuel entertained American servicemen when he later performed in Kings Cross hotels, developing a love for country music, before becoming known as one of Australia’s finest musicians.
His biography lists his influences as Hank B Marvin and The Shadows, the Ventures and the Beatles. He was widely regarded for his technical skills and versatility, and toured Australia extensively with his guitarist brother Tommy as “The Emmanuel Brothers”.