Chris Bailey, lead singer of legendary rock band The Saints, has died.
The Australian band announced the singer and songwriter's death on social media on Monday morning, referencing the band's most famous song.
"It is with great pain in our hearts that we have to inform you about the passing of Chris Bailey, singer and songwriter of The Saints, on April the 9th, 2022," the statement said.
"Chris lived a life of poetry and music and stranded on a Saturday night."
Bailey, who was born in 1957, co-founded the Brisbane band in 1973 with guitarist Ed Kuepper and drummer Ivor Hay after they met at school.
The band came to prominence in 1976 with their single (I'm) Stranded, about growing up in Brisbane.
On social media, Kuepper reflected on the loss of his friend.
"Chris and I met when we were about 14 during detention at Oxley High School and became close friends which later developed into what I always thought was an extremely strong artistic partnership," he said.
"I couldn't have hoped for a better singer. My deepest condolences to his wife Elisabet, his sisters Margaret, Carol and Maureen and the rest of his family and loved ones."
Listed as one of the top 30 Australian songs of all time by APRA, (I'm) Stranded saw The Saints acclaimed as key figures in the burgeoning punk movement alongside bands like The Clash and Sex Pistols.
The Saints were inducted into the ARIA Hall Of Fame in 2001.
Guns N' Roses bassist Duff McKagan paid tribute to Bailey on Monday, sharing lyrics from The Saints song No, Your Product.
"Rest in peace Chris Bailey. Twenty-one years is a long, long time to be in this prison when there ain't no crime. Saints forever," McKagan wrote on Twitter.
Australian rock guitarist Lindsay McDougall, from punk band Frenzal Rhomb, described Bailey as a "co-creator of punk music".
Musician and Cold Chisel frontman Jimmy Barnes said Bailey and The Saints "were punks before punk".
"One of the greatest songwriters this country produced has passed away," he wrote.
"He was a master of words and helped tell our story."
Rob Younger of Sydney punk group Radio Birdman wrote: "Chris was a remarkable talent and a most unique individual.
"Chris and I shared many a laugh over the years and I'll miss him.
"Music lovers the world over will feel his loss deeply. Our commiserations go out to his family, friends and his many fans."
Writing on Twitter, musician Warren Ellis of Dirty Three and Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds described Bailey as "one of the best singers" and The Saints as "one of the best bands".
