Mick Fettes, the original singer for Melbourne band Madder Lake, has died at the age of 65.
Mick’s wife Lorna has posted the following notice in The Age.
Dearly loved son of Margaret and Alec (dec). Cherished husband of Lorna. Beloved brother of Tony and Timothy (dec), former husband of Vicky, father of Kate and Alex, Grandpa to Khloe.
Thank you for the wonderful memories you have left me. You were a one-off and will be sadly missed. We shared many good times together and they will remain with me forever more.
All my love Lorna.
Madder Lake was one of the first bands signed to Michael Gudinski’s Mushroom Records. Gudinski’s first Mushroom release was the live album Sunbury ’73 featuring Madder Lake live with Down The River/12lb Toothbrush.
Madder Lake released their first single ‘Goodbye Lollipop’ in February 1973. It reached no 31 on the Top 40 chart.
The Madder Lake debut album ‘Stillpoint’ was released in April 1973 and peaked at no 13. The second album ‘Butterfly Farm’ was released in 1974. It reached no 22.
Fettes left Madder Lake in late 1974 and formed Bandicoot with now comedian Shane Bourne. He returned to the band in 1978 to promote The Best of Madder Lake album and then returned in 1982 for the 10th anniversary of Mushroom and The Mushroom Evolution live album.
Madder Lake reformed in 2008 after Gil Matthews renewed interest in the band with the first two albums reissued on his Aztec Records label. Fettes retired from performing in 2011.
