Died Pretty have announced the passing of their erstwhile lead singer Ron S Peno after a lengthy battle with cancer.
The band issued the following statement: “With great sadness we announce the passing of our singer Ron S Peno who left us peacefully on Friday evening in the presence of his loving wife Charity and his son Zebadiah, at his home in South Yarra, Melbourne. For the last four and a half years as he battled cancer, Ron displayed a resolute positivity and a profound depth of character that has proved inspirational to his fellow band members, manager and many friends. In the face of adversity he was towering. For the 40 years Ron entertained us as Died Pretty’s frontman he was never less than always charismatic. He has provided warm and enduring memories for those who shared the stage with him and for his audience. For many he is the soundtrack of their lives. He leaves us a legacy of extraordinary recordings that will continue to be treasured into the future. Our hearts go out to Charity, Zebadiah and all his family and friends at this time. Ron will be sorely missed. The world will be a smaller place without him. Ron’s family and Died Pretty would like to thank his medical team at St Vincent’s Hospital, the Calvary Bethlehem palliative care team, Support Act and everyone who made a donation or sent a message of love during Ron’s time of need.”
Formed in 1983 Died Pretty released eight albums and many brilliant early singles such as “Stoneage Cinderella”, “Out of My Hands”, “Winterland” and “Everbody Moves”. Their commercial breakthrough arrived with 1991’s Doughboy Hollow universally regarded as one of the great Australian albums.
When Died Pretty disbanded in September 2002, Ron went on to form The Darling Downs a country-ish collaboration with Kim Salmon who released three albums How Can I Forget This Heart Of Mine? (2005), From One To Another (2007) and In The Days When The World Was Wide (2013).
In 2011 Ron formed Ron S Peno & the Superstitions who released four outstanding albums: Future Universe (2011), Anywhere and Everything Is Bright (2013), Guiding Light (2017) and most recently 2021’s Do The Understanding.
Died Pretty reformed for several reunion shows, including the Don’t Look Back tour in 2008 when they performed the Doughboy Hollow album followed by an encore of extra songs. A recording from this tour at Melbourne’s Forum Theatre was recently released by Citadel as their first live album Died Pretty Live. The group had additional shows planned later this year to promote the live album, but sadly in July, they announced the cancellation of their national tour due to Ron’s failing health and a recent diagnosis of lung cancer for Died Pretty drummer Chris Welsh.
There has been an outpouring of support on social media for the band and fond reminiscences of Ron S Peno from fans and fellow musicians.