Legendary Australian Rock Musician from Rose Tattoo Dies After Health Battle

Legendary Australian rock musician Chris Turner, who performed with Angry Anderson and Billy Thorpe, died on Wednesday in his late 60s, following a long health battle.

The beloved guitarist’s death was confirmed on social media on Thursday by his close friend, popular US blues singer Cletis Carr.

‘Still processing the loss of my long-time friend, bandmate, and surrogate “big brother” Chris Turner,’ he began.

Cletis added that Turner had been battling health issues for some time, which had significantly impacted his quality of life. 

‘We lost Chris just a few hours ago, he’d been battling multiple health issues for many years,’ Cletis wrote.

‘I’d just phoned him last Wednesday, he was frustrated at now being wheelchair-bound, but was upbeat and optimistic about being back in the studio, mixing tracks for a new release.

Legendary Australian rock musician Chris Turner, who performed with Angry Anderson and Billy Thorpe, died on Wednesday in his late 60s, following a long health battle 

‘My sympathies and love go out to family.’

Turner began playing guitar in 1961 and shared bills with icons such as David Bowie, Steve Marriott and John Mayall. 

By the late 1960s, he had moved to Auckland, New Zealand, touring the North Island with his bands The Chris Turner Group and The Wranglers, honing his skills as both a musician and band leader. 

The London-born performer permanently moved to Sydney in 1970, where he began his incredible career as one of Australia’s most beloved rock musicians. 

Across his celebrated career he played in many of Australia’s most beloved rock bands, including Angry Anderson’s group Rose Tattoo and Sydney’s Buffalo.

He also nurtured younger talent, producing albums and teaching guitar through his Sydney-based The College of Contemporary Guitar.

Despite facing multiple major hand operations in the 1990s, Turner refused to slow down. 

He continued recording, performing and producing albums, spanning genres from rock to blues, and remained a beloved presence on the live circuit well into the 2010s.

The beloved guitarist’s death was confirmed on social media Thursday by his close friend, popular US blues singer Cletis Carr (left)

The London-born musician moved to Sydney in 1970, where he began his incredible career as one of Australia’s most beloved rock musicians 

Turner was also a fixture of the Australian music festival circuit, sharing stages with iconic bands such as The Angels, Noiseworks and Killing Heidi. 

His later projects included The Blues Pirates, The Cave Men, Turner & Simmons, and collaborations with Alex Smith of Moving Pictures.

Turner’s career was defined by versatility, resilience and a tireless devotion to music. 

Over six decades, he played with hundreds of musicians, recorded dozens of albums, and influenced generations of guitarists. 

His dedication to his craft and his unyielding energy made him a fixture of both Australian and international music scenes.

He is survived by his three children, Jesse, Billy and Tilly.