Jim Keays of the Masters Apprentices has passed away at the age 67.
Jim was one of Australia’s first and greatest rock singers.
As frontman for The Masters Apprentices he scored a string of Top 20 hits with ‘Because I Love You’, ‘Turn Up The Radio’, ‘Living In A Child’s Dream’, ‘Undecided’ and ‘5:10 Man’.
In 1998 The Masters Apprentices were inducted in ARIA Hall of Fame.
Jim’s close friend Dianna O’Neill has released the following statement:
Australian rock legend Jim Keays, 67 peacefully passed away this morning at 10:30 from pneumonia due to complications from his seven year battle with Multiple Myeloma. He had been on life support since Monday. He was surrounded with loving family members.
Jim was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma seven years ago and has been in and out of hospital during those years – though he continued to tour with Cotton Keays and Morris.
Jim had been putting the finishing touches on his latest rock album, which was due in August.
Glenn Wheatley said today, “I had the pleasure of sharing some of the best years of my life with Jim Keays. I will always remember him as a consummate showman. Jim had an aura about him, you always knew he was in the room. Always the Master, never the Apprentice. His presence will remain with me always. Do what you wanna do, be what you wanna be Jim. Vale my friend, you will be greatly missed”.
Jim is survived by his partner Kari, and his three children Holly, Bonnie and James.
Funeral details will be released shortly.
