Thursday, November 4, 2010

Models frontman James Freud dead

AMES Freud, former singer with Australian rock band Models, has been found dead.
Freud, 51, had lived and breathed the rock-and-rock liquor-laced lifestyle and after many rehab stints became sober in 2004.

The father-of-two documented his descent into alcoholism and his subsequent recovery in two autobiographies: I am The Voice Left From Drinking (2002), and I Am The Voice Left From Rehab (2007).

He died just one week after the Models, without him, were inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame.
During the Hall of Fame ceremony in Sydney, Freud's former bandmate Sean Kelly explained the singer's absence by saying he had "fallen off the bike".

A statement from the office of Michael Gudinski, whose Mushroom Records launched Freud's solo career and that of the Models, said the musician had taken his own life.
"It is with much sorrow that we share the news of the passing of James Freud.
"James Freud passed away this morning. James’ battle with alcoholism has been well chronicled. His two books on his recovery and five years sobriety were bestsellers and gave a lot of people who were suffering the same affliction comfort and hope.

 "Unfortunately, James has succumbed to his disease and taken his own life this morning."
 Gudinski said he and his wife Sue were devastated by Freud's death.

“James was a true pioneer - he successfully crossed over from Australia’s burgeoning punk scene in the early 80s, to then create some of the most played tracks in Australia’s recording history. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends, the industry, and music fans everywhere.”

Freud began his music career at 17 as a member of the Teenage Radio Stars who had their first Australian hit with I Wanna Be Your Baby.

He joined The Models in 1982 and wrote their smash hits Barbados and Out Of Mind, Out Of Sight from their hugely successful Out Of Mind, Out Of Sight album.
Freud is survived by his wife Sally, and sons Harrison and Jackson.




If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide call Lifeline on 13 11 14. For help with depression, contact Beyond Blue on 1300 22 46 36. 

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