Music World Mourns: Legendary Kiwi Bassist Loses Battle with Cancer

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71-year-old famed New Zealand musician Roger McLachlan passed away on Friday after a hidden fight against pancreatic cancer.

Roger McLachlan, a well-known New Zealand musician, died last Friday at the age of 71, following a covert struggle with pancreatic cancer.

Or:
Famed New Zealand musician Roger McLachlan, aged 71, passed away on Friday, having fought a secret battle against pancreatic cancer.

As a proud native of New Zealand’s South Island, I had the honor to serve as the founding bassist for the legendary Melbourne rock band, Little River Band, from 1975 to 1976.

The tragic news about his passing was shared on social media through a deeply moving message from fellow artist, Michael Oliphant.

With deep regret, Michael shares the news that Roger McLachlan has sadly passed away today, following difficulties stemming from pancreatic cancer.

Roger passed away, leaving behind his devoted wife and a cherished family who stood by him until the very end. He preferred to keep his struggles private, choosing instead to confide in only a few close friends and relatives.

“Roger was an exceptional friend, partner in work, a force in music, an incredible bassist, and a bit of a mischief-maker. Life will not feel the same without him. Farewell, dear companion. I am deeply saddened.

McLachlan played bass on the band’s 1976 hit song It’s a Long Way There.

The song climbed up to the 28th spot on the U.S. Billboard chart, and it also achieved popularity in Australia and New Zealand.

As a devout music enthusiast, I found myself becoming an integral part of the legendary Melbourne band, Stars, in my journey. Their 1977 chart-topping album, “Paradise,” saw my contribution as one of its performers, reaching the Australian top 20 and etching our names into the annals of music history.

Later, he took up the role of a studio musician, lending his bass skills to John Farnham’s renowned 1986 single “You’re the Voice” as well as the chart-topping song “Mouth” by Merill Bainbridge.

Over the course of many years, this energetic artist kept on giving captivating performances, and in the year 2012, he unveiled his long-awaited first solo album titled “Roger This Roger That.

Heartbroken fans took to social media to pay tribute to McLachlan.

‘How awful. Roger mate you will be sorely missed, what a giant of music,’ one person wrote.

‘Totally shocked,’ a second added.

The band known as Little River Band, formerly Mississippi, derives its name from a river in Melbourne, Victoria. They gained worldwide fame with a series of popular songs such as “Reminiscing,” “Help is on Its Way,” “Cool Change,” and “Curiosity Killed the Cat.

The initial group consisted of Beeb Birtles, Graeme Goble, Derek Pellicci, Shorrock (vocalist), Ric Formosa (lead guitarist) and McLachlan.

The founding members were Beeb Birtles, Graeme Goble, Derek Pellicci, the vocalist known as Shorrock, Ric Formosa on lead guitar, and lastly, McLachlan.

The band subsequently rose to great fame, being among the most triumphant groups to emerge from Australia, and also becoming the pioneers in achieving significant commercial success in the United States.

McLachlan is survived by his wife Desley. 

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2025-04-18 12:52