SAD TIMES FOR PAUL GREENE AND THE OTHER COLOURS

By Sally Bailey

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 12:52:50 +1100

The band Paul Greene and The Other Colours have released a statement today announcing the tragic death of their drummer Matt Sykes.

The statement reads;

" It is with heavy heart and great sadness that we can confirm that Matt Sykes, drummer for Paul Greene & The Other Colours, passed away last week (January 24) after a tragic boating accident near Jervis Bay."

Paul, Matt and bass player Neil Beaver were preparing to embark on the third single tour from Paul’s Aria-nominated ‘Behind the Stars’ album, in February. Although in shock and mourning the loss of their band mate and friend, Paul and Neil will go ahead with the tour, with Greene saying “I am absolutely sure that’s what Matt would have wanted.”

Saddened by the loss of his friend, Paul reflected “Matt, what an amazing bloke you were. Talented on the piano and kora, and one of the best drummers I know; you lived for what you loved and never let money dictate your life; you knew how to love and put all your love into whatever you did. Our thoughts are with Beth, and your family. So glad I got to know you, mate.”

Paul and Neil will perform as a duo for the majority of the tour, with arrangements underway to find a replacement drummer for some of the shows. The ‘Gettin’ Lucky’ tour will now be a celebration of Matt Sykes’ life and work.

Tour dates

Thu Feb 7 The Front Gallery w Pete Akhurst Canberra ACT

Fri Feb 8 Baha Tacos w Ruby Boots (WA) Rye VIC

Sat Feb 9 Bridge Hotel w Carter Rollins Castlemaine VIC

Sun Feb 10 Toff In Town w Jed Rowe & Carter Rollins Melbourne VIC

Fri Feb 15 Greenwell Point Hotel w Hussy Hicks Greenwell Point NSW

Sat Feb 16 The Heritage Hotel w Hussy Hicks Bulli NSW

Sun Feb 17 Lizotte’s Newcastle NSW

Thu Feb 21 Camelot Lounge w Hussy Hicks Marrickville NSW

Fri Feb 22 Kelt’s Bar w Hussy Hicks Leonay NSW

Sat Feb 23 The Beachcomber w Hussy Hicks Toukley NSW

Sun Feb 24 The Brass Monkey w Hussy Hicks Cronulla NSW