Simon Holmes, guitarist and vocalist of the legendary Sydney indie-rockers The Hummingbirds, has passed away this week, his family has announced.
Taking to Facebook earlier today, Holmes’ family announced the sad news. “Words cannot express our sadness at having to inform you of the passing of Simon,” the post began. “Our father, partner, son, brother, son-in-law and brother-in-law, bandmate, friend and guiding light.” At this stage, no further details have been shared, with the family wishing to share more information when they feel ready to do so. The Hummingbirds’ Facebook shared this post, along with a message which read “our hearts are broken.”
Simon’s band, The Hummingbirds, formed in Sydney during the mid-’80s and quickly became one of the most acclaimed indie acts of the era. Signing to the influential rooART record label in 1989, the group released their most successful single, ‘Blush’, from their debut record loveBUZZ that same year.
Leaving rooART in 1992, the group broke up the following year. In 2011, they reunited for a performance at the Big Day Out festival, and played one of their last shows with Falling Joys in Sydney of last year. Reviewing their show with Falling Joys last year, it was said that “Hummingbirds’ songs are the auditory equivalent of neat handwriting – precise and deeply satisfying,” something which both fans of Holmes and his band’s work could easily attest to.
In addition to his work with The Hummingbirds, Holmes had also played in groups such as Fragile, and The Aerial Maps, and had also produced songs for artists such as The Fauves and Custard, truly cementing his place as an invaluable member of the Aussie rock scene.
