Brentyn ‘Rollo’ Rollason, the singer of Brisbane rock icons Blowhard, has passed away over the weekend, shocking the state’s music community.
For decades, the Brisbane rock scene has home to a number of iconic musical outfits. However, ask anyone and they’ll likely name Brentyn Rollason as one of the most enigmatic figures around the city.
Serving as the frontman of groups such as Bad Ronald and Blowhard, “Rollo” was a permanent fixture on Aussie stages, and was a highly influential figure to many.
Sadly, the Brisbane music community was shocked to learn of Rollo’s untimely passing over the weekend.
Taking to Facebook early on Monday morning, Blowhard revealed that their iconic frontman had tragically passed away that evening, just before they were due to perform a set.
“Those friends who were at Brightside tonight will be aware that Rollo suffered a heart attack right before we went on stage,” the group wrote. “Unfortunately our dear mate didn’t make it, despite the best efforts of venue staff, paramedics and QHealth emergency crew.”
“Rollo: the Brisbane punk community and broader alternative music scene are forever in your debt.”
A number of Brisbane music identities soon shared their memories of Rollo and Blowhard as well, including Butterfingers, who shared a heartfelt message on their social media account.
“At a loss for words really but have to say we’ve all been watching Rollo and Blowhard play since we were teenagers and its been inspirational,” Butterfingers wrote. “What a Brisbane Icon.”
“Valley mall needs a statue of him in a glad wrap onesy [sic].”
“Brisbane will not be the same without Brentyn Rollason,” wrote Dead Of Winter promoter Carolyn Bedford. “He was larger than life and had the biggest heart of anyone I have ever met.”
“He was always fun and over the top, the life of the party and a driving force behind the Brisbane music scene for decades.”
“The first time I saw Rollo perform, he walked on stage wearing nothing but Glad Wrap and thinking it was the most punk thing I had ever seen. Rollo brought this showmanship to every show he did.”
A GoFundMe account has since been set up to raise money for Rollo’s family, with supporters helping to raise over $9,000 in just one day.
Our thoughts go out to the family, friends, and musical associates of Brentyn Rollason during this difficult time.
Check out Blowhard’s ‘V8 Rock n Roll’:
https://youtu.be/1BxY6kYQYyA
