Legendary Australian singer Broderick Smith, co-founder of revered band The Dingoes, has died aged 75.
According to his official website on April 30, “The minstrel has passed. Broderick Smith died peacefully at home aged 75. Sincere condolences to family and friends.”
Smith was inducted into the ARIA Hall Of Fame in August 2009 as a member of The Dingoes and was the vocalist and harmonica player for the band from 1973 until 1979 and again when the band reformed in 2009 for an album and tour. (He was also father of Ambrose Kenny-Smith, a member of King Gizzard And The Lizard Wizard as well as The Murlocs).
Smith was also a member of other legendary Australian bands, The Adderley Smith Blues Band (1966-1968) and Carson, who performed at the first Sunbury Music Festival in 1972, as well as the following year. After the break up of The Dingoes, Smith released nine under his own name, including one with his band The Big Combo.
Smith also acted on stage in the 1973 Australian version of the rock opera, Tommy, and had roles in 1990s TV series, Blue Heelers, Snowy River: The McGregor Saga and State Coroner.
Smith was born in Hertfordshire, England and arrived in Australia in April 1959 when his parents migrated here and initially lived in the outer Melbourne western suburb of St Albans.
Australian musicians have already begun posting their appreciation of Smith.
Jeff Lang posted: “I first saw and heard Broderick Smith when the Andrew Durrant Memorial Concert was broadcast on TV. I was just a kid, but amongst a role-call of great singers (Renée Geyer, Mick Pealing, Ian Moss, Jimmy Barnes, Glyn Mason – the cream of Australia’s crop at the time), Brod was a big discovery for me. He had such an emotive quality to his voice, not to mention the real charisma of a born frontman. He was not only a great singer but also a brilliant harmonica player and a marvellous songwriter who continued to push his craft throughout his life. And he was fantastic company, with a super sharp mind and deep curiosity. I never failed to learn something or be privy to a different and interesting perspective the times I hung with Broderick. And his between song raves were truly unique. You never knew where he was going when he started one. I was lucky to have played with him a few times, but in addition to his family, my heart goes out to friends of mine who spent many years in collaboration with Broderick, especially Shannon Bourne Richard Tankard, Matt Walker and Kerryn Tolhurst.RIP Broderick Smith.”
Neil Murray posted, “Yes terrible shock. Thought he’d be round for a long time yet. Has made a unique and important contribution. A great character always a delight to be around.”
Glyn Mason wrote, “Broderick Smith gone . One of the most organic and real performers I’ve had the privilege to hear, see perform and share a stage with.”