While the Australian Musician team was at Bluesfest in Byron Bay this year, we received the terrible news that New Zealand-born bass great Roger McLachlan had died of complications from pancreatic cancer. Not many knew of Roger’s recent struggles as he wished to keep it private.
Roger’s death was announced to the world by his close musician friend Michael Oliphant, who posted “It is with enormous sadness I report that Roger McLachlan passed away today from complications due to pancreatic cancer. He leaves behind his adoring wife Desley and a delightful loving family who were all with him through the end. Roger didn’t wish his struggle to be widely known and so chose to keep it just between family and a handful of friends. Roger was a wonderful friend, collaborator, musical powerhouse, absolute monster bass player and all round naughty boy…Life will never be the same. RIP dear mate. Gutted.”
Roger McLachlan is known to many as Little River Band’s original bass player and the guy who laid down the wonderful fretless bass parts of John Farnham’s global hit You’re The Voice. It was only in April last year that we spoke to Roger about his role in Australian country rock outfit Stars.
In 2019 as part of our Melbourne Guitar Show coverage we were fortunate to be invited to Roger’s home for an in depth interview about his carer and gear. At this sombre time, it’s worth revisiting the interview to enlighten music fans of Roger’s stellar achievements
In Part 1 of our in-depth 2 part interview, Australian Musician editor Greg Phillips chats with acclaimed local and international bass player Roger McLachlan about his wonderful career, including his time with Little River Band (and why he left!), Australia’s legendary country rock band Stars (who are back in action and playing at this year’s Melbourne Guitar Show), Pyramid (the fabulous 80s fusion band), Film scores (Crocodile Dundee, A Cry In The Dark/Evil Angels), Geoff Achison & The Soul Diggers, plus those famous bass parts on John Farnham’s worldwide hit ‘You’re The Voice’ and more.
In Part 2, Roger discusses his basses and amps, Stars playing at the Melbourne Guitar Show and everything else he’s up to in 2019.
And here’s some of Roger’s fine work:
Little River Band – Emma
Stars, the first time around – Mighty Rock
Pyramid at the prestigious Montreux Jazz Festival – The Odyssey
John Farnham – You’re The Voice
Melbourne Guitar Show with Geoff Achison and Jimi Hocking