The music industry is in mourning following the shock death of Paul Gray.
Gray was a famous Australian singer, known best for fronting the ‘80s band Wa Wa Nee. The band found success both locally and internationally with a string of hits including ‘Sugar Free’, ‘I Could Make You Love Me’ and ‘Can’t Control Myself’.
In a heartbreaking statement shared on the band’s official website, it was confirmed Gray died at the age of 56 on Tuesday afternoon.
“It is with deep sorrow and a heavy heart that we announce that Paul Gray passed away peacefully on 24/04/2018,” the statement read. “We would like to thank all the Doctors, hospital staff, relatives, friends and fans for the overwhelming support given to Paul and our family while he heroically battled Multiple Myeloma.”
Multiple Myeloma, or Kahler’s disease as it’s also known, is a cancer of plasma cells in the bone marrow. The rise of these cells actually decreases levels of healthy blood cells, causing bones to weaken.
In many cases, sufferers experience anaemia, a range of blood-clotting problems, as well as the increased risk of kidney infection. While symptoms don’t always display at first, they can occur in the form of bone pain, bleeding and increased infection in the later stages of the disease.
Wa Wa Nee, still in shock, asked fans to respect their privacy at this difficult time.
“We ask please that people honour our need for privacy to grieve at this time and post your lovely tributes, messages and memories below this post rather than private messaging, where we can read them in our own time,” the statement concluded.
Fans have been quick to follow this advice and have shared their favourite memories on Wa Wa Nee’s public Facebook page.
One fan wrote: “Love you Paul from the age of 17 … and still do and will forever. This horrible disease robbed me of my mother in 2011 and now you. Life is cruel…but your music and talent will live on in my heart and hearts everywhere. Condolences to the Gray family”.
Another comment read: “My deepest condolences to you Mark and to Paul’s beloved dear family and friends! Paul you will be greatly missed what a amazing talent and loss to the music industry”.
A third message added: “So shocked. I remember seeing him years ago in Sydney and loved the band ever since I saw him sliding across the stage at the Sydney entertainment centre in his yellow leather jacket”.
Wa Wa Nee was a funk and pop band who topped the charts between 1982 and 1989. If you had children in the ‘80s, chances are they had posters of the band in their bedroom. Chances are you purchased one or two of their records as well.
‘Stimulation’ remains one of the band’s biggest hits, peaking at No. 2 and remaining in the Aria Charts for quite some time.