Died Pretty drummer Chris Welsh has died at the age of 71 after a battle with cancer. The Australian alternative band confirmed the news on their Facebook page on Thursday October 8.
Alongside a picture of the star in action on stage, they wrote: "It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our drummer Chris Welsh, who died on Thursday evening surrounded by his wife Neung and children Jack and Louis. Chris had been battling cancer with for a number of years now with great dignity and courage. Chris was an integral part of the band and much loved and we will miss him dearly."
Health update and hospice move
The star had been fighting lung cancer since 2023. Just days before his death, the band had posted a health update on their Instagram explaining he had moved to a hospice and appealed for financial help for the star.
Alongside an image of Chris in a wheelchair as his son sipped a coffee beside him, they shared: "As you all know Chris is battling cancer courageously and has now moved from St Vincents to Caritas Christi Hospice for palliative care.
"Thankfully, he is now joined with his wife Nueng, who has given up work and left their home in Thailand to be by his side.
"As we all know it is not easy to live in Australia these days, so every single donation, no matter how small, will make an immense difference to relieve their financial burden at this very difficult time."
They then shared a link to a GoFundMe which was set up by friends.
Band history and tributes
This is the second tragedy for the band after their frontman, Ron Peno, died in August 2023 at the age of 68. He had been diagnosed with oesophageal cancer in 2019.
Died Pretty were founded in Sydney in 1983 by Ron and guitarist Brett Myers. Chris joined them two years later in 1985. He had previously played with Ron in the short-lived but influential garage punk band The 31st.
His death leaves Brett as the sole remaining original member of the group.
Although Chris left the group for periods in the early 1990s and again in the mid-1990s, he returned for key reunions. His cancer diagnosis forced the band to cancel planned 2023 dates, which also coincided with Ron's declining health.
Fan reactions
Tributes flooded in for the star as fans learnt the sad news. Commenting on the Facebook announcement, one penned: "Incredibly sad news. Last time I saw Chris I thanked him for his contribution and told him he was one of the most important drummers in Australian music history. I felt a bit gushy at the time but I still stand by it. Sincerest condolences to his family and all who knew him."
Another added: "Cemented the sound of Died Pretty when he joined and was perfect... from every quiet verse to swirling-chaos crescendo."
A third chimed in: "Chris was a massive influence on me as a young drummer. I spent so much time trying to perfect his massive sound around the kit. Rest well CW."
A fourth shared: "D**n no. We're all getting on in years but it seems like only yesterday I was in the crowd singing along to my favourite songs watching Ron and the boys entertain us. RIP Chris and thanks for the good times."
Meanwhile a fifth reflected: "Rest in peace Chris. Condolences to family and friends, thanks to Tony for his support while Chris was fighting this horrible stuff. My favourite drummer and blessed to have seen DP from 81 till the end…."
