CONTENT WARNING: This article discusses mental health. If you need help in a crisis, call Lifeline on 13 11 14. For further information about depression contact Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636 or talk to your GP, local health professional or someone you trust.
The Australian music community is in mourning over the news that devoted fan Louie passed away after a battle with depression.
Yesterday, The Chats took a moment to pay tribute to the late fan, whilst urging followers to check in on one another, especially during quarantine.
“In Australia, roughly 10 people a day take their own lives,” The Chats shared in a statement, adding that the number is “made up of young men, especially within the Indigenous community.”
“[Louie] was a massive music fan and would often travel long distances to see his favourite bands,” The ‘Smoko’ rockers said about the late fan.
“We first met Louie at an underage show in Camden, just south of Sydney, and we were blown away and touched when he told us he’d driven all the way from Melbourne to see us.”
“Depression is no joke,” they said, before urging fans to check on their mates “especially during this time of self-isolation and economic hardship”, adding “we need to be asking all of our friends how they’re doing.”
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They concluded: “It’s okay to talk about it, lend your mate an ear, have a chat, you may just save a life.”
Now, Australian music fans have banded together in a heartwarming display of community. In the Facebook group Skegss Skateposting, a fan called Helen announced that she would be auctioning off her Skegss records to raise money for the family of Louie.
“I have been debating selling this record for a while now, it would be selfish of me to make more money off it than what I paid for it so I have decided to chuck it up on eBay auction and ever cent will be donated to Louie’s family,” she wrote in a post.
“Even if it is not much, something is better than nothing during this tough time and I’m sure anything will be appreciated.
“I wish there was more I could do to help but I am sending my love to everyone, look after your mates”
The record is now up for auction, where it’s amassed 49 bids and is currently sitting at $510. To offer some insight, the most that edition has ever sold for on Discogs is about $95. This is an incredibly hopeful, moving show of solidarity from the music community.
