Chris Bailey, who led Australian punk icons The Saints, died on Saturday, “It is with great pain in our hearts that we have to inform you about the passing of Chris Bailey, singer and songwriter of The Saints, on April the 9th 2022,” wrote the band on their Facebook. “Chris lived a life of poetry and music and stranded on a Saturday night.”
Born in 1957 in Belfast, Ireland, Chris Bailey emigrated with his family to Brisbane, Australia when he was seven and met soon-to-be bandmates Ed Kuepper and Ivor Hay in school. They formed The Eternals in 1973 and changed their name to The Saints the following year. While predating punk, their buzzsaw approach, as heard on classic single “(I’m) Stranded,” fit in with Ramones and The Sex Pistols. Bailey led The Saints through the alt-rock ’80s and beyond, releasing 14 albums over the years.
“Chris and I met when we were about 14 during detention at Oxley High School and became close friends which later developed into what I always thought was an extremely strong artistic partnership,” wrote Ed Kuepper. “I couldn’t have hoped for a better singer. My deepest condolences to his wife Elisabeth, his sisters Margaret, Carol and Maureen and the rest of his family and loved ones.”
Rest in peace, Chris. Read tributes from Warren Ellis, Jimmy Barnes, Duff McKagan,
Chris Bailey One of the best singers Thé Saints one of the best bands. Vale and thank you Chris. pic.twitter.com/dLxvROvrvc
— Warren Ellis (@warrenellis13) April 10, 2022
very sad to confirm the news about Chris Bailey dying on the weekend. Chris and I met when we were about 14 during detention at Oxley High School and became close friends which later developed into what I always thought was an extremely strong artistic partnership, 1/2 pic.twitter.com/hQVKKHYgzT
— Ed Kuepper (@EdKuepper) April 10, 2022
One of the greatest songwriters this country produced has passed away. His band The Saints were punks before punk. He was a master of words and helped tell our story. RIP Chris Bailey pic.twitter.com/jTSdiyKBLy
— Jimmy Barnes (@JimmyBarnes) April 11, 2022
Rest In Peace Chris Bailey. 21 years is a long, long time-to be in this prison when there ain't no crime. Saints forever! https://t.co/rWuvv8r49G
— Duff McKagan (@DuffMcKagan) April 10, 2022
RIP Chris Bailey. Surely one of the greatest frontmen ever. The Belfast and Inala boy who done good. He inspired so many musicians and lovers of music and protest. He was one big extended middle digit to Joh and the Jackboots at a time when such an attitude was very dangerous.
— Graham Perrett (@GrahamPerrettMP) April 10, 2022