‘The Saints’ renowned lead singer Chris Bailey dies, age 65

Australian rock legend Chris Baily, lead singer of famed Australian punk band The Saints, has died, age 65 on April 9.

His fellow The Saints bandmates confirmed Baily’s passing in a post to the band’s social media page, paying tribute to Bailey’s lyrical life.

“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 post read.

“Chris lived a life of poetry and music and stranded on a Saturday night.”

The post signed off by “family and friends”.

The band, formed by Brisbane schoolmates, independently released their first song (I’m) Stranded in 1976 – the song went on to be named one of the top 30 Australian songs of all time by the Australasian Performing Right Association (APRA).

The Saints, who were inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame in 2001, were defining figures in punk music alongside iconic bands like the Sex Pistols and The Ramones.

The music industry and fans alike paid tribute to the punk legend, including rock greats such as Guns N’ Roses bassist Duff McKagan and fellow Aussie superstar Jimmy Barnes, honouring Bailey on social media.

Rest In Peace Chris Bailey. 21 years is a long, long time-to be in this prison when there ain’t no crime. Saints forever! https://t.co/rWuvv8r49G

— Duff McKagan (@DuffMcKagan) April 10, 2022

One of the greatest songwriters this country produced has passed away. His band The Saints were punks before punk. He was a master of words and helped tell our story. RIP Chris Bailey pic.twitter.com/jTSdiyKBLy

— Jimmy Barnes (@JimmyBarnes) April 11, 2022

Sad news that Chris Bailey, front man of seminal Brisbane band The Saints, has passed away. The Saints were inducted into the ARIA Hall Of Fame in 2001. Our thoughts are with Chris’ family, friends and fans. pic.twitter.com/wP2i3IiGAJ

— ARIA (@ARIA_Official) April 10, 2022

Terrible news about Chris Bailey. The term “legend” gets thrown around a lot but the influence The Saints had on music cannot be overstated. RIP to a real one.

— Josh (@JoshCPinn) April 10, 2022

Sad to hear of Chris Bailey’s passing. What an incredible talent, whose influence on music can’t be underestimated. Throw on The Saints this morning, your day will be better for it.

— Papa Blagues (@gevauden) April 10, 2022

No cause of death has been revealed.