Hailed as a ‘wonderful guy with incredible talent’
AUSTRALIAN musicians and industry figures have expressed their shock and sadness at Paul Gray’s death.
Gray’s 1980s peer, Uncanny XMen frontman Brian Mannix, described the Wa Wa Nee lead singer as a ‘‘wonderful guy with incredible talent’’.
Gray (54), who died on Tuesday, had multiple myeloma cancer, according to a statement from his brother and bandmate Mark Gray, which was posted on the band’s official Facebook page.
‘‘It is with deep sorrow and a heavy heart that we announce that Paul Gray passed away peacefully . . .’’ Mark wrote.
‘‘We would like to thank all the doctors, hospital staff, relatives, friends and fans for the overwhelming support given to Paul and our family while he heroically battled multiple myeloma.’’
Wa Wa Nee formed in the early 1980s and had a hit with their debut single, Stimulation, in 1986. The song peaked at No 2 in the charts.
The group later charted in the US with the song Sugar Free.
The Australian band’s selftitled debut album went platinum before the group broke up in 1988.
Since then, Gray had worked as a keyboard player and a musical director for artists such as Tina Arena and Kate Ceberano.
Wa Wa Nee recently reformed to perform at ’80s revival concerts and to support The Human League on their Australian tour last year, as well as Rick Astley a few years before that. — PA