The Australian music industry is in mourning this week at the loss of The Noise Network co-founder and wonderful concert photographer Ros O’Gorman. On Tuesday 29 May, surrounded by her family, Ros succumbed to an aggressive form of cancer, which she was only diagnosed with on April 10.
Ros’ husband and partner in The Noise Network Paul Cashmere posted a statement to Noise11.com.au yesterday:
“On 29 May 2018 we lost Ros O’Gorman, a beautiful lady, a perfect wife, mother and grandmother. My wife of 37 years has left the stage. For her, life was first three songs, no flash and then leave. She would like you all to know that this time she hasn’t stayed for the whole show. Ros loved life, she loved the family we created together and she loved you. She was a role-model to so many and a world-class music photographer.
Tim, Haylee and I were so grateful for the life she gave us and for sharing her last moments with us. She had a wonderful farewell with her closest family.
Goodbye Ros, until the next gig.
Rest In Peace Roslyn Frances Cashmere January 22 1960 – May 29 2018
Your loving husband Paul, son Tim and daughter Haylee.”
Ros was one of Australia’s leading live performance photographers and was present at all of the big gigs, from Robbie Williams to Nine Inch Nails and Yes to Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young … Ros O’Gorman was centrestage from the pit or sound desk to capture the moment. She has taken pics around Australia and overseas, including Robin Gibb speaking in Berlin, the last ever Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young gig in southern California and Metallica at a bbq in Austin, Texas.
Ros O’Gorman was a passionate supporter of the Australian music industry, a record collector and firm believer that to experience quality in music it is best through the physical disc.
Ros was a much loved and respected member of the local music community, which has been further affirmed by the nature and sheer volume of tributes being posted on social media this week. Tributes for Ros have been pouring in from a wide range of music industry friends including many artists from both here and abroad such as Leo Sayer, Brian Cadd, Doug Parkinson and Steve Polz to name a few.
Michael Chugg said of her passing ‘Ros O’Gorman was always the big smiling happy face in the photographers pit at all our shows for more years than I can remember, even when I was being grumpy at the photographers. Since the digital age, it was always a pleasure to run into her & Paul, whom upheld a long loving relationship in an industry, that burns most relationships. I remember spending a very enjoyable evening with them both at the Americana Honours event in Melbourne last October & recently, with Ros at a very funny record Store Day launch in Sydney in late March. Ros was a shining light & inspiration to all the women making their mark on our industry. RIP Ros – gone far too soon.”
Jimmy Barnes paid tribute and said “Paul Cashmere and Ros O’Gorman were married a few months before Jane and I. Like myself, Paul loved music and was deeply involved in the industry through radio, but he found his true love when he met Ros. They spent a beautiful life working together and raising a family. I was so said to hear that she had been tragically taken from him. Although I know she will always be in his heart, it does not make the loss any easier. My thoughts are with him and his family at this difficult time.”
Ros loved the family she and Paul created and lived life to the fullest – she was adored & highly respected by the music industry and more. Ros was the most joyous of people and touched so many lives – every person that came in contact with her, all felt her warmth, kindness and vibrancy. She was a mentor & confidante to so many and made a significant mark as one of our finest live music photographers in the country, as well as a media executive. Ros was announced as the female music executive ambassador for Record Store Day Australia 2018, but withdrew after she was diagnosed with bowel cancer.
On a personal note, as editor of Australian Musician, I was always able to call on Ros if I required a last minute gig photo for use in the printed magazine or online. Of course her photos were always world class. More than that though, my wife Janet and I will miss Ros O’Gorman the friend, the smiling face and kind and considerate person that greeted us at so many music industry events.
A celebration of Ros’ wonderful life will take place in Melbourne week commencing 11th June – venue and finer details to be advised.
Rest in peace Ros. You’ll be missed but your spirit will never forgotten.