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Steven William Prestwich
1954 - 2011
Steven William Prestwich
1954 - 2011
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1954
DIED
2011
Steven Prestwich Obituary
Prestwich passed away Sunday, January 16, 2011 just two weeks after being diagnosed with a brain tumour.
He was 56.
Prestwich underwent surgery on Friday and tragically never regained consciousness.
In a statement the band expressed their grief.
"Jimmy Barnes, Ian Moss, Phil Small and Don Walker are shattered by the loss. All our thoughts are with Steve's loved ones at this difficult time."
Prestwich was a founding member of Cold Chisel and wrote the classics When the War is Over and Forever Now, and co-wrote Flame Trees with Don Walker.
As well as his work with Cold Chisel, Prestwich had a solo career, his most recent album being 2009's Every Highway.
Cold Chisel had been recording new material after playing a handful of reunion shows last year.
Prestwich joined Little River Band after Cold Chisel split in 1983, reuniting with Chisel in 1997 for the Last Wave of Summer album.
The drummer played guitar and sang with Chisel for the first time on their 2003 Ringside tour.
His first solo album Since You've Been Gone was released in 2000, touring with the Steve Prestwich Band in 2005 and 2006.
Other Chisel songs written by Prestwich include Nothin' But You, Monica and Best Kept Lies.
The one time Little River Band drummer has become the second Australian music legend to lose his cancer battle, with Sherbet guitarist Harvey James passing away on Saturday night.
Steve's brother Simon told Undercover that Steve passed away on Sunday at around 3.30pm.
Prestwich was born in Liverpool, England but moved to Adelaide, Australia when his family migrated in 1971.
Prestwich co-founded the band Orange in 1973, featuring Jimmy Barnes, Ian Moss, Don Walker and Les Kaczmarek, before they changed their name to Cold Chisel in 1974.
After Chisel broke up in 1983, Steve joined Little River Band who also recorded When The War Is Over, with John Farnham as lead singer.
He has released two solo albums Since You've Been Gone in 2000 and Every Highway in 2009.
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150 Entries
Peter Stavropoulos
October 25, 2018
A sensitive poet who had so much more to offer when he died.
SCOTT p
May 24, 2017
my condolences for your family's loss
David Harvey
April 5, 2016
Tuesday 5 April 2016
Dear Steve
I find it hard to believe that five years has passed since you died and I remember how sad I was when I discovered the news.
I was so sad that my body just shut down and you are my favourite Australian rock drummer.
I am also one of your biggest fans and as a drummer myself, you were very influential on my drumming.
Dean Murtog
August 15, 2011
They say that your wedding day or the birth of your children is ment to be the greatest day of your life. For me it was December 15, 1998 when Steve Prestwich, Jimmy Barnes, Ian Moss, Don Walker & Phil Small gave us a night that we will never forget. To the greatest drummer this country has and will ever see, Rest in Peace.
How you can show support
Rex Maddock
July 22, 2011
I met Steve at LIzottes in Lambton in 2010, he was an absolute gentleman. I loved his show. What a great musician.
What a very sad loss to the music world.
Regards REX
Martin Stewart
April 20, 2011
Being able to see Cold Chisel live in 1998, 2003 and 2010 was a real privledge. To meet them backstage was unbelievable. The best drummer in the best band, RIP Steve - sympathy to your family and friends on your loss of a true music genius.
Steve Marson
March 26, 2011
So many nights of my teenage years ended up around a campfire, or such, singing along with mates to songs like Forever Now and When the War is Over.
Song slike these, and Flame Trees of course, are still as powerful as ever. In fact in my opinion 'Flame Trees is not just one of the greatest Australian songs ever written, it is quite simply one of THE greatest songs every written.
Thanks Steve!
Lexie Beardmore
February 10, 2011
I loved Cold Chisel music and was devastated to hear he had died - my great grandmother was a Prestwich so I always followed his career. Deepest sympathy to all the Prestwich family. Lexie Beardmore in Western Australia.
Lexie Beardmoer
February 10, 2011
I loved Cold Chisel music and was devastated to hear he had died - my great grandmother was a Prestwich so I always followed his career. Deepest sympathy to all the Prestwich family. Lexie Beardmore in Western Australia.
Enzo Volpe
February 5, 2011
I am a musician who was profoundly inspired by Cold Chisel. I was devastated when a punter came up to me at one of my gigs and told me if I had heard that Steve Prestwich had passed away? I always used to refer to Steve as that "amazing" drummer who never played too cluttered and had the ability to leave so much "space" for his fellow band mates to really shine! I thinks its one of the reasons why Cold Chisel songs really used to shine so much!
For now, you get to join all those awesome musos "up there" and I'm sure they will all be over the moon to have such a talented drummer and song writer join their elite club!
R.I.P mate and thank you for the inspiration.
February 2, 2011
Your music was tremendous, I'll never forget how thrilling it was to hear "Forever Now" and "Flame Trees" for the first time. RIP, mate, we'll miss ya. (JJ, Germany)
February 1, 2011
Too soon -- you'll be missed
S James Barnes Easton, Maryland USA
Julie Collins
January 29, 2011
Thank you for the music you shared with us and the wonderful memories we all have of your wicked smile :)
We are all better people because you touched our lives in so many ways!!
I want to thank the Prestwich family for sharing your talented man with us :)
Gone but never forgotten Steve :)
Kerrie Barraclough
January 28, 2011
true all rounder loving dad , partner and friend muso and photographer ..i have been bleesed to have him in my music world thanks for it all steve play hard the heavenly drums we will always hear you and hold you in our hearts.The world is a better place because you were here. loved and missed by many .Its never over when i can hear you sing and play here in my lounge room thanks mate xx
Glenn Meyers
January 28, 2011
RIP Steve - you will never be forgotten. You are definitely one of a kind. One of the saddest days of my life when I heard this news.
Thanks for the great memories and songs.Deepest condolences to your family. xo
vince papa
January 27, 2011
Steve thanks for moulding me into how i am- the partys over !
Jo Llewellyn
January 27, 2011
R.I.P Steve Your memory will last forever through your music...Gone but not forgotten. Deepest condolences to your family xoxo
Clint Culpan
January 23, 2011
Truly a unique individual & iconic drummer in Australia, nah the World,you are known world wide & have & will always be an inspiration to us all,the day you passed the world shed tears & cried with us, we love you & thankyou for sharing your gift & yourself with us for so long, you are forever thought of & forever loved.(keeping time together)
Carol Stubley
January 21, 2011
So many wonderful memories are floating around in my head we had some great times together in our youth and that will always remain vivid in my heart...you were a mate, a rascal and a truly wonderful individual..so blessed having known you.. my sincerest sympathy to all who loved you.we will meet again.
Louisa Smith
January 21, 2011
My thoughts go to your loved ones at this time and to the rest of the band. Thanks for the music, it was so much apart of my youth.
Kathy O'Connell
January 21, 2011
Such sad sad news to wake to on Monday morning, no words can express my feelings on hearing of Steve's passing, much love & condolences to Steve's family & friends, for me , as a fan of Cold Chisel for as long as I can remember, am still in shock, I cannot imagine Cold Chisel without Steve on drums, the last gig for me was Shelly's, will miss his photographic entries on facebook & be forever grateful for having been a fan, much love & sympathy to Jimmy,Ian, Phil & Don, Steve you will be missed by so many, & be remembered by all!!!!
william rodger
January 21, 2011
R.I.P Steve, your music will be forever in my heart.
Peter Stubbs
January 20, 2011
As a young 11 yr old I discovered Cold Chisel and underneath this band lay a drummer who took me on a jounrney of discovery.As the band had disbanded as I was discovering music I feel priveleged to have seen my favourite drummer with this legendary band in 1998(Last Wave of Summer) and 2004(Ringside). Many Thanks Steve. I will always play along with you.
Sofia Francesca
January 20, 2011
R.I.P STEVE
Love to his family and the boys of chisel, we will always love and miss him.
January 20, 2011
I have been touring Tasmania with my family for over a month (I come from Newcastle) and only last week I dug out the Chisel live double cd Swingshift. My wife and I and my 3 kids have been enjoying it so much. Everytime I would feel a little tired driving I would put it on and immediately I would come to life as I lived every aspect of each song. The kids had never heard much of chisels music even though I had been a massive fan of theirs when I was younger. The kids would ask away and I would educate them as to why Chisel are, and in my eyes, will always be the greatest rock and roll band ever to come out of this country. We all marvelled at the brilliance of the muso's especially Steve on drums. He was without doubt one of the most tecnically brilliant drummers ever, yet to watch him play it seemed so effortless for him. When hopping on the laptop on Sunday and then to see the headlines, words can't describe how I felt. I feel I have lost a family member. The war is over Steve, you are free, keep playing those sticks in heaven man,take care Wayne Purcell.
Donna Newbound
January 20, 2011
Thanks for providing me with the soundtrack to my life. So sad to hear this - always thought of Chisel boys as being indestructible. Sincere condolences to Steve's families, both blood and musical. Your legacy will live on in your music. Forever Now.
Jen McBain
January 20, 2011
So sad about this news.
Loved this man and his music.
RIP Steve
Margaret Hambling
January 19, 2011
You will be missed Steve. I was saddened by this news and shocked at Steve's sudden passing. Thank you for your music and songs Steve, I will miss you. Chisel is a unique band and you made me enjoy each beat. I loved watching you play, just Brilliant! You had a great style and your songs were like poetry. Thoughts to your family and friends. Loved your work Steve ~ thanks for the memories! ~ Margaret (Chiselgirl1) xx
andrew goldsworthy
January 19, 2011
r. i. p. steve deepest sympathies to family goldy keirra kelly
andrew goldsworthy
January 19, 2011
my heart goes out to the family and friends of steve r.i.p mate goldy/ keirra. kelly.oxoxoxox rock on
Dale Sanders
January 19, 2011
So sad to lose a fellow drummer. Steve was the engine that drove the Chisel juggernaught to the max. My mum still remebers him drawing money from the bank agency she used to work at in the 70's! A huge talent taken from us FAR TO SOON. Sincerest condolences to his freinds & family.
January 19, 2011
Steve thanks for all the great memories.
Condolenses to your family and friends.
Reast In Peace
Mark Schembri Strathmore Victoria
Sue O'Neill
January 19, 2011
Such a HUGE talent taken too soon! When the War is Over IS & ALWAYS WILL be a classic!!
Thanks for the memories, Steve. Deepest sympathy to the Cold Chisel band members, Steve's family, friends & fans.
May he rest in peace, free from pain.
Dwight Morrow
January 19, 2011
I still cannot believe it, such a talent taken before his time.
I can remember going to "secret gigs" at many Sydney pubs and watching you go wild on your kit.
As the beat of Cold Chisel, you will always be an enduring part of my life.
My love and deepest sympathies to your family, friends and the band.
Anthony Preece
January 19, 2011
Steve : 1982 That wonderful drum beat resinated from Memorial Drive (Adelaide) & could be heard on the shores of Henley Beach , our hearts missed a beat when we heard the news !! The Rhythm continues but it's not the same ! Kind thoughts for the Prestwich family
LAVERNE CHISHOLM
January 19, 2011
DEEPEST SYMPATHIES TO STEVE'S FAMILY AND THE SURVIVING MEMBERS OF COLD CHISEL.
A TRUE LEGEND OF AUSTRALIAN ROCK N ROLL GONE TO SOON. RIP STEVE FOREVER NOW
David McCarthy
January 18, 2011
Flame Trees and When The War Is Over are 2 of the most beautiful songs ever written. Some of the best times of my life have been spent watching Steve perform with Cold Chisel and it is so sad that it will never happen again. RIP Steve. Thanks for the music and the memories.
Dianne
January 18, 2011
10 y o when my brother bought home the Cold Chisel album was fascinated from the beginning and I really feel like Cold Chisel is a part of who I am.Thanks.Great drummer and classy songwriter you will be profoundly missed.
Laverne Chisholm
January 18, 2011
MAKING HIS WAY DOWN THE STAIRS
HE CAN'T HELP BUT LOOKING BACK
THINKS OF THE THINGS THAT THEY SHARED
THERE'LL BE NO MORE TURNING BACK
THANK YOU FOR THE MUSIC AND THE MEMORIES. DEEPEST SYMPATHIES TO STEVE'S FAMILY AND THE SURVIVING MEMBERS OF COLD CHISEL. RIP STEVE, YOUR WAR IS OVER.
Laverne Chisholm
January 18, 2011
MAKING HIS WAY DOWN THE STAIRS
HE CAN'T HELP BUT LOOKING BACK
THINKS OF THE THINGS THAT THEY SHARED
THERE'LL BE NO MORE TURNING BACK
THANKYOU FOR THE MUSIC AND THE MEMORIES. DEEPEST SYMPATHIES TO STEVE'S FAMILY AND THE SURVIVING MEMBERS OF COLD CHISEL. RIP STEVE, YOUR WAR IS OVER.
glen
January 18, 2011
Steve Prestwich, Thank You so much,
Your Drumming style was an inspiration. "Tomorrow" on the Last Stand. The best ever.
Respect to you.
Phillip Chindamo
January 18, 2011
goodbye and RIP
scotty ryan
January 18, 2011
steve, such a unique drumming style, wheather it be chisel or lrb it will always be with us forever. Even yr song writng you could feel the emotion you wrote with. R.I.P MATE
Matthew Renshaw
January 18, 2011
R.I.P steve you champion , tahnks for the music
Paul De Maria
January 18, 2011
Very sad day. We were very lucky to have him. My deepest condolences to his family and bandmates.
Rueben Sakey
January 18, 2011
Very sad news. Lost too young to that insidious disease. RIP and we'll keep rocking for you.
Scott Manderson
January 18, 2011
Gone too soon,my deepest sympathy goes to steve's family.A true legend RIP Steve
Gai Stuckey
January 18, 2011
My deepest sympathy goes to Steve's family and friends. A great loss to Australian music industry. Your music lives on in all our hearts. Remembered always, and will be forever more.
Fiona
January 18, 2011
Rest in Peace sad news
Sophie Donovan
January 18, 2011
My Thoughts and Love to Steve's family, extended family and huge range of friends....TO the Music World, we have lost a great soul...The Forever World have gained a great soul...Forever Now.
Ron Martin
January 18, 2011
Sympathy to all Steve's family and friends. A song writer and drummer of rare talent , and a huge part of a band that will always be remembered across the decades.
Thanks for the memories.
RIP Steve
Sharee Linton
January 18, 2011
Steve Prestwich, the heartbeat & rhythm of our favourite Aussie band, Cold Chisel. You will be sadly missed mate. Rest In Peace & Rock n Roll!! xox Sharee Linton.
Dianne Springall
January 18, 2011
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief. He will be such a great great loss to the vast legion of Cold chisel fans.
Sonja Falconer
January 18, 2011
Deepest sympathy to Steve's family and friends. Thank you for decades of the best aussie rock. You are a legend Steve and we love you like so many others do... RIP and have fun in heaven hanging out with all our other aussie rockers... Darren, Sonja and Braden Falconer xo
Todd Bonner
January 18, 2011
Steve,i will miss you mate.A huge link in the Chisel chain has been broken.Thanks for all you gave to music and to me & my kids.Our videos and DVDS will never be the same, but you will live on for us.Our sincerest sympathy to your family and to the band.I'm so gutted.WE WILL TRUELY MISS YOU XX
Nick S
January 18, 2011
What a loss! A great songwriter, a great drummer and a great guy. Thanks for what you did for us. Will never forget.
michael smith
January 18, 2011
terrible loss to all,so sad to hear about steve,love to all steves family and friends.devestating news.
Stephen
January 18, 2011
So sad. A great musician, great songwriter, the first drummer who inspired me. I still watch the videos to study his technique. Also a gracious and down to earth guy happy to have a chat. Has left us far too early and wanting a lot more. Deepest sympathy to his family, friends and all Cold Chisel fans. RIP Steve.
Nicole
January 18, 2011
My heart goes out to Steve's family and friends. Having lost my own mother recently from the same deadly disease, I can fully comprehend the pain you are going through. My mum was diagnosed and died 3 weeks later, much the same as Steve. We need to stand up and raise more money to research this awful disease we know nothing about.
Alex Ryan
January 18, 2011
It was a great honour to support you at your last solo gig last year. You were welcoming and generous and we will keep the signed CD you gave us forever. You were taken from us too soon. Rest in peace brother.
Leonie
January 18, 2011
I can't thank you enough for your contribution to the soundtrack of my life. Vale, Steve.
Brad Laing
January 18, 2011
The best ever So much feel & thats just his music. Thoughts to his family. So sadly missed. Your legacy will live on forever.xox
Troy Dinnage
January 18, 2011
R.I.P STEVE.DEEPLY MISSED,TRUELY THE BEST.
Jennifer Prestwich
January 18, 2011
Uncle Steve, where do I start... Will miss your smiles when you come to visit us or answering your many calls throughout the day when I'm at mum and dads. Will miss making you laugh and coming to watch you perform. Crank those drums in heaven and wake everyone up!! Missing you. Love you. Jen xx
Louise Keir
January 18, 2011
So sorry for your loss.
One part of one of the best bands in Australian History. You will be sorely missed
Andrea Dawson
January 18, 2011
My deepest most heartfelt sympathy to Steve's family and friends. A huge loss for us fans, and an immeasurable loss for you. May he rest in peace. Forever remembered and loved by us all.
Michael Mcdonald
January 18, 2011
So sad to hear of the passing of steve the greatest drummer from our greatest band.I will think of you every time i hear a chisel song.RIP Steve
Anne Clarke
January 18, 2011
RIP Steve, my thoughts are with your family and the chisel gang xx
Paul Cutbush
January 18, 2011
Dear Steve, Thankyou for taking the time to pass on your snare drum tuning and hitting hints. You will always be my hero and the best Australian drummer there was.My condolences to family and friends. A great loss.
Allegra and Rob Phillips
January 18, 2011
Rest In Peace Steve, your legend will live on, immortalised in song.
Our deepest sympathy to family and friends, God Bless.
Terri Wilson
January 18, 2011
There are no words to describe this sadness.
Duncan Mitchell
January 18, 2011
What an inspirational Man... He leaves a legacy in song that will be heard forever and rightly so. He complimented the "chemistry" required to make Cold Chisel one of the greatest, tightest Rock n Roll bands ever. To be sadly missed by all the drummers he inspired and educated over the years, condolences to all close to him from the drummers of Qld.
Duncan, Cameron & all the Staff/ Students of Access Drumming.
John Williams
January 18, 2011
Thanks for the music Steve...legend.
Michelle Pridham
January 18, 2011
RIP Steve, your excellence will live on forever. My love to all of your family at this very difficult time.
Sean
January 18, 2011
Man, my heart dropped upon finding out we have lost a great and those who saw raw chisels back in the day of pubs and gigs can relive and tell of such a unique drummer. RIP
David Lawley
January 18, 2011
A sad day, another rock great departs.
Cold Chisel were the soundtrack to my lifes best days, and easily the best OZ live act I saw. (Second only to Pink Floyd internationally too)
When the drummer from my band rang, in total shock and told me the news I was devestated.
My deepest sympathy and regards to family and the rest of the Chisel guys.
There must be one hell of an OZ rock band in heaven, Billy Thorpe, Lobby Loyde, Steve and Harvey James to name a few
r amey
January 18, 2011
So, so much music in my head and yet now i'm completely lost for words.
R I P steve...The 'heartbeat' of the greatest band on earth.
Adrian Woodbury
January 18, 2011
So shocked to hear this terrible news. My sincere condolences to the great Steve Prestwich's family, friends and thousands of fans. His fine contribution to music will live forever for generations to hear and appreciate.
Andrew Kindermann
January 18, 2011
Another Australian Music legend has gone. My thoughts are with his immediate family, his other 'Chisel' family and his extended fanbase across Australia and the rest of the world. He may have left us but his music will live on "forever now."
Megan Hay
January 18, 2011
Cold Chisel has been part of most of my life. Steve is gone but not forgotten
Rowena
January 18, 2011
Very sad news!!! What a terrible loss, my condolences to family and friends... I am so thankful that I was able to see them live in 1998.
Marcus Croker
January 18, 2011
God bless you Steve. May you rest in peace and your family be comforted. I thank you for your gift to the world. You have, and always will be a tremendous influence and inspiration for my own musical life. I am forever in your debt.
Chez
January 18, 2011
Steve now heaven will be blessed with your talents. You will be missed all around the world. RIP xx
Graham
January 18, 2011
Steve Prestwich sadly missed
Ross Fraser
January 18, 2011
A true gentleman - a great drummer and writer.
Lucky to spend some time on the road with him in the 80's - I realise now he taught me a lot.
Reat in peace mate...
Steve Comey
January 18, 2011
The War is over.........
Katherine Small
January 18, 2011
Thanks for the music Steve. My deepest sympathies go out to Steve's family and friends. Forever Now
Damien Walker
January 18, 2011
"Still so young, but somehow so much older", amazing drummer, true gentleman.
Jodi Haigh
January 18, 2011
God Bless Steve, give strength to family and friends. What an amazing contribution you gave to the world and will continue to do so.
RIP xxx
Graeme
January 18, 2011
My deepest condolences to Steve's family and friends. This is truly a loss to the music world, but much more so for the people fortunate enough to be close to him.
Mark Harris
January 18, 2011
The world is a lesser place with the loss of any person. It is truly diminished with the loss of a legend. Thanks for all of your amazing music and for sharing your unique talent with the world. Your music will ensure that your memory and spirit lives on. Rest in Peace
Ashley Smith
January 18, 2011
A tragic loss to your family and Australian music. The music you created and inspired will be forever etched into Australian folklore and will be played while ever this magnificent country remains free and creative. You were part of a special time and an integral part of the greatest pub band of them all. RIP Steve and thank you for adding so much to our lives
J Kitchener
January 18, 2011
Condolences go out to Steves family and friends at this sad time, may he R.I.P
Steve Smith
January 18, 2011
Thank you for some great music. My thoughts are with his friends and family.
Peter Cronin
January 18, 2011
Such an underrated musician who contributed so much to Australias greatest band will be sadly missed. Do you remember nothing stopped us on the field in our day. Condolences to family.
Francesca
January 18, 2011
Truly the saddest of news. You were part of my youth. I have traveled all over the world living outside of Australia for some 15 years now. Regardless, the songs I grew up on play over and over in my head and praise be to YouTube for allowing me the guilty pleasure of reliving that special time as I watch your clips. To your blood family, your musical family and all that knew and loved you dearly, my condolences. To you, my eternal thanks. RIP.
Brad Laing
January 18, 2011
Less is more & you were the best. You inspired a generation. My thoughts to everyone related to Steve & everyone that ever crossed his path. I havent cried for years but hearing of your passing brought me to my knees. Im not religious but God bless. Steve you are & all ways will be an insperation xox
Froggy
January 18, 2011
Incredible musician,, such a loss to the greatest period of Oz music!! No-one could deny his talent and he leave's us his music. Thank you. Condolences to his family.
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