Cold Chisel Mourns Loss of Beloved Saxophonist

A long-serving member of Australian rock band Cold Chisel died following a 'hard-fought' battle with on Friday morning. 

Andy Bickers was a saxophonist with the music group for more than 30 years, with the band announcing his death on Instagram.

The pub rockers shared an emotional post saying Andy was a 'brother' and 'incredible musician'.

'Our much-loved sax player of more than 30 years, Andy Bickers, passed away this morning after a hard-fought battle with cancer,' they penned. 

'Andy was our brother: an incredible musician and a great person to be out on the road or out on the town with. 

'His valuable contribution onstage to songs like Rising Sun, Saturday Night and My Baby will be sorely missed. Our hearts break for his wife Lisa and his son Rudy.'

Jimmy Barnes, the lead singer of the band, paid personal tribute to Andy on his own Instagram page.

'Andy also toured many times with me, playing soul and rock shows,' he said.

'We were friends not only because he was a great player but he was funny, intelligent, and most importantly, he was a good man.

'Lots of love to Lisa and Rudy. You will be sadly missed, Andy x.'

Several photos of Andy were shared in both posts, with most showing the musician rocking out on stage with his saxophone. 

Fan tributes poured into the comments of both posts, with Jimmy's wife Jane leading the charge. 

'A very sad day. Rest now Andy. Love and Courage young Rudy, lovely Lisa and Andy's family and loved ones. No more suffering. Travel well old friend,' she wrote.

'My condolences to everyone,' someone else wrote, while another added: 'Heartbreaking. What a wonderful talent.'

'Very sorry for your loss x,' one user commented, as someone else penned: 'Such a sad loss. He always sounded awesome.' 

Andy was originally from Wellington, New Zealand, but moved to Australia after finishing university in the late 1980s. 

He was inspired to pursue a music career after watching footage of the Australia Made Tour. 

Andy quickly established himself on the live music scene in Melbourne and Sydney before eventually joining Jimmy for his solo touring band in the early 1990s.

Soon after, he joined Cold Chisel, and later also toured with names like The Eagles, Midnight Oil and Diesel.