Thomas Nepia, the singer and percussionist for New Zealand’s Herbs, has lost his battle with pancreatic cancer. He was only diagnosed in late November 2017.
Herbs are considered pioneers of Pacific Reggae. In 1986, that Herbs sound spread to Australia when Dave Dobbyn used the band to back him on the number one hit ‘Slice of Heaven’.
In 1989, Eagles guitarist Joe Walsh produced and played on their 1989 ‘Homegrown’ album and delivered a New Zealand hit with a cover of ‘Walk Away Renee’.
Herbs were inducted into the New Zealand Music Hall of Fame in 2012.
New Zealand musician Gail Tipene announced Nepia’s passing.
“Our beautiful Thom. Friend, mentor, brother in music.. .You fought hard, you gave it your all and I’m so proud of you.
“Your voice I will hear for as long as I am me, your golden voice…your legacy will live on. My heart is with…all Thom’s whānau, moko, friends and all those who know and love him. Tang, my heart breaks for you. Thom I will miss and love you forever. Thankyou for blessing my life … Rest in love.”
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