The Saints’ frontman Chris Bailey, who lived in Inala, is remembered for his influence in punk music, having formed one of the first and most influential punk groups in Australia.
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The band announced the news of his demise on Monday 11 April 2022, on their official Facebook page.
“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,” the statement reads.
Fans of the iconic punk band paid tribute to the late frontman, remembering him for his passion for poetry and music.
“Condolences to family, enjoyed his music and saw live many times. As a Brissie boy this was very much a part of the soundtrack of my adolescence,” commented one of his fans on the band’s Facebook announcement.
Legend Down!
— Joel (@JoelBrown_JB) April 10, 2022
One of the pioneers of Aussie Punk.✊🏼#RIPChrisBailey pic.twitter.com/YhCquKjBNK
Watching Stranded on @DocPlayNow. Farewell to an original & a great. #RIPChrisBailey pic.twitter.com/GwysEMaKp3
— Tony Wilson (@byTonyWilson) April 12, 2022
I listened to Chris Bailey sing and I knew he meant every single word.
— Impala Laguda (@impalalah) April 11, 2022
Every yeah, alright and c’mon was conviction.#RIPChrisBailey
Bailey, 65, was born in Nayuki, a town in Kenya in 1957 to Irish parents. Before moving to Inala in Brisbane, he spent his early years in Northern Ireland until the age of seven.
He and his sister Margaret attended Inala State High School, Oxley State High School, and Corinda State High School where Ed Kuepper and Ivor Hay were also students.
Kuepper, who joined Hay and Bailey in forming the band in 1973 after they met at school, expressed his sadness over Bailey’s death. They initially called themselves the Kid Galahad and The Eternals.
In 1974, they renamed themselves The Saints, inspired by the nickname of the fictional character Simon Templar, featured in a series of novels and short stories by Leslie Charteris.
The Saints first made headlines in the UK after releasing (I’m) Stranded, their debut single.
Bailey also released a number of solo albums, such as Casablanca, Demons, Savage Entertainment, and 54 Days at Sea, Encore, and Bone Box.
After going solo for a few years, he revived The Saints by releasing Howling in 1996. It was followed by a number of recordings and the band has remained active ever since.