Musician Stephen Jones, best known for his time in the cult 1980s band Severed Heads, died on Thursday, October 8, at the age of 75. His death came just two days after an alleged assault at his music studio in Alexandria, in Sydney's inner city.
The beloved star was allegedly assaulted on October 6 outside the venue. In a Facebook post, his family confirmed he died at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital surrounded by loved ones.
Family's emotional tribute
The family's statement read: "Stephen was viciously assaulted outside his studio on Tuesday. After loving visits from friends over the course of the day, Stephen died peacefully on Thursday afternoon."
It continued: "Stephen left this world with brother Ian and partner Wendy holding his hands. He was surrounded by friends. Stephen's passing on Thursday was gentle, observant and reverent. The staff at RPA ICU treated Stephen with thoughtful care and deep respect."
The post added: "Stephen left this world in dignity and surrounded by love. Stephen always said he wanted to go out in full consciousness. We could not do that for him, but he was pain free and at peace."
Investigation and tributes
The statement explained Stephen's body was currently with the coroner for a forensic post-mortem as the investigation into his death continues. It revealed a suspect has been arrested and is being held without bail after being charged with manslaughter.
The family requested: "We ask that people respect the ongoing investigation, the chain of evidence, and refrain from speculation and sharing unverified information. This is an ongoing investigation and we want justice for Stephen. The family is working with police, and is unable to supply any further details to you at this time. We ask for privacy during this difficult experience."
Tributes flooded in for the star as news of his death was confirmed. Photographer Juno Gemes wrote on Facebook: "I feel he was seriously under-acknowledged for his pioneering genius by the art world in general in Australia, who often miss gentle giants before them in plain sight. His manner was always mild, gentle and generous... he was a dear friend and cherished colleague over a lifetime. Vale dear Stephen Jones."
Artist Ralph Kerle reflected: "I want to remember Stephen not through the violence of his final days, but through the extraordinary life he lived and his work as one of the original pioneers in Australian video art. With Severed Heads, he made video an instrument of live performance and toured internationally. As an artist, engineer, writer and historian, he helped shape Australian electronic art and preserve its history."
A fan commented: "Such sad news. It was the 1986 Severed Heads live special on Rock Arena on ABC TV in Australia that blew my mind and made me a fan. Subsequently I became a fan of Volition Records and that led to me starting the VOLT 2023 website/fan blog. Vale Stephen, you absolute genius."
Another shared: "5 minutes ago I was thinking about bands I loved in the 80's, and the 2 first which came to my mind were Severed Heads and Nocturnal Emissions. Now I read this. So sad. Big loss."
