Beloved Australian jazz musician Bob Venier, who has performed with Bert Newton and Marcia Hines, has died.
The music icon, recognised as one of Australia’s leading trumpet players, passed away on Thursday night.
He began his career in Ballarat before moving to Melbourne where he played with Smacka Fitzgibbon.
In the early 70s, Bob joined the ABC Orchestra playing percussion for 2 years and then brass for 10 years.
In 1978, he played in modern jazz quartet Pyramid alongside David Hirschfelder, David Jones and Roger McLaughlin.
He also made regular appearances in TV shows including The Don Lane Show, The Bert Newton Show, Young Talent Time and the Steve Vizard Show.
Beloved Australian jazz musician Bob Venier, who has performed with Bert Newton and Marcia Hines, has died
Bob has also featured on albums of many successful artists including Guy Sebastian, Lisa Edwards, Anthony Warlow, Split Enz and Mondo Rock.
He toured Australia and the USA with the Bi-Centennial Australia Jazz Orchestra in 1988.
Bob has also played in movies including The Last of the Ryans (1997) and The Last Days of Chez Nous (1992).
Following the sad news of his passing, many flocked to social media to share tributes to Bob.
‘It’s with great sadness that I heard this morning of the passing of Australian music icon, friend and colleague Robert (Bob) Venier,’ musician Robert Severini wrote.
‘R.I.P. Bobby! You are going to be missed. Sincere condolences to Margaret and the whole family.’
Another person said: ‘A sad day for musicians here in Australia with the passing of educator, flugel horn, trumpet player and percussionist Bob Venier.’
‘Bobby’s melodies were a wonderful influence for me since day one.’
The music icon, recognised as one of Australia’s leading trumpet players, passed away on Thursday night
He began his career in Ballarat before moving to Melbourne where he played with Smacka Fitzgibbon
‘I’m deeply saddened by the news of Bob Venier’s passing. He was not only a wonderfully talented musician but an awesome human,’ a third wrote.
‘I first heard him playing with Pyramid. He was always so encouraging when I first worked in the industry.’
Another added: ‘He always played beautifully and tirelessly on every take with his unmistakable charge of irrepressible swing, taste and musicianship, always supportive, full of encouragement, humour, making me feel totally at ease and less scared and inadequate than I usually did!’
‘Thanks for everything, I am going to miss you, wherever you are. Heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones.’
