One of Australia's greatest guitarists, Lobby Loyde, has lost his battle with cancer.
The 64 year old musician died overnight (Saturday April 21) in Box Hill Hospital, Melbourne at around 11pm.Born John Baslington Lyde in Longreach, Queensland in 1942, Lobby was a true music legend.
Lobby was known as the Godfather of heavy rock in Australia. Kurt Cobain, Henry Rollins and Steve Malkamus all hailed him as one of their heroes.
His legend began with stints in Melbourne bands The Wild Cherries and the Purple Hearts in the 60s.
Loyde also joined Billy Thorpe and the Aztecs for a period between 1969 and 1972. Sadly, Billy Thorpe died suddenly on February 28 this year.
In '72, he formed his own band The Coloured Balls and had a local Melbourne hit with 'Liberate Rock'.
In the mid 70's, he released the albums 'Do You Believe In Magic' and 'Obsecration' as solo records.
After that he managed to score a gig in Rose Tattoo playing bass.
In the 80s, Loyde guided some new bands as producer. He worked with the Sunnyboyss, X, Flaming Hands, Kevin Borich, Painters & Dockers and Machinations.
Loyde's last major lap of Australia was in 2002 when he reunited the Coloured Balls for 'Long Way To The Top'.
Last year, with his cancer in final stages, he took to the stage to continue to play for fans knowing that they would be his final shows.
R.I.P. Lobby Loyde. Australia salutes you.
In 2006, Lobby Loyde told his story to Undercover's Tim Cashmere. Watch the complete interview here
Lobby talks about discovering he had cancer and being told he had five weeks to live
