R.I.P. Dean Turner, bassist and founding member of Magic Dirt

http://www.skynews.com.au/showbiz/article.aspx?id=365796

Bass player in Australian indie rock band Magic Dirt, Dean Turner, has died from lung cancer, aged 37.

Remote Control Records director Steve Cross, a longtime friend of Turner's who also worked with Magic Dirt, said on Monday the musician was 'absolutely dedicated to passing it forward'.

'Everything he'd experienced and knew about and that he'd been fortunate enough to have go right for him, he really wanted to pass it forward to other musicians,' Mr Cross told AAP.

'He was always introducing us to new bands, new musicians, trying to support them.'

Tributes have flowed for Turner, 37, who died in Melbourne on Friday night after a year-long battle with cancer that spread from his chest, a source close to the band said.

He is survived by his wife and two pre-school age daughters.

Turner started Magic Dirt in Geelong in 1992 with lead singer Adalita Srsen.

:(

I saw them one of the only times they ever toured the US, and have bought all their records since. Big condolences their direction, because I know they're hurting.

this is really sad... magic dirt are/were a great band, and really decent people.

Apparently they're carrying on with their current tour after canceling a couple of upcoming shows. Whether or not they'll make any more records is probably still up in the air? (Adalita's working on a solo thing now, I know...)

The band posted their statement. Sad.

Magic Dirt’s beloved Dean Turner passed away on Friday August 21st,
2009.
For nine years, Dean battled an extremely rare form of soft tissue
cancer called dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP). This cancer became
life threatening after it began to metastasize and cause various fatal
tumours.
Being a very private man, Dean chose to fight the cancer in a quiet and
dignified manner. He displayed great courage and incredible stoicism.
And above all else he had an unshakeable positive attitude throughout
his long ordeal.
His composure and grace during this time will never be forgotten and is
an inspiration to us all.
As a founding member of Magic Dirt, Dean was the linchpin, the heart and
soul of the band. He was the rock, the glue, the oracle, the cool
filter. He was deeply dedicated and passionate about the music he made
and the impact the band had on peoples lives.
Dean always came up with fantastic ideas but he tempered these ideas
with a rock solid work ethic and made them not only real but a success.
Dean’s bass playing and sound is unique and unmistakable. With a great
flow and organic playing style, Dean dug deep into his role as bass
player, supporting and creating a bedrock, the backbone of the Magic
Dirt sound. And fans will never forget his melodic riffing, heavy
thunder, sonic shimmers and noise fests at Magic Dirt’s live shows.
Dean worked tirelessly because music was one of the greatest joys in his
life.
Sadly, Dean had many projects and goals he wanted to achieve that will
remain unrealised.
Dean championed a lot of Australian music, always interested in giving
young bands a go, he was generous with his time and advice to those that
sought his council.
Dean was also a band manager, being instrumental in the rise of Brisbane
band Violent Soho, he guided and tended the band and had an immensely
positive impact on them.
Dean was also an in demand producer. His vision and stabilizing effect
in the recording studio allowed many bands the opportunity to realize
their dreams of making great records. He produced such bands as Violent
Soho, theredsunband, Gersey, Sons of the Sun and lastly worked on
Adalita’s (Magic Dirt’s front woman) first solo album.
Dean also sat on VIC Rocks grants committee which he loved doing and he
played an active role in giving artists the support they needed and was
asked to return year after year by the board executives.
But the greatest joy and proudest achievement in Dean’s life is his
family. He was an extremely dedicated and loving father and husband. His
wife Linda and two children were the loves of his life and he cherished
them with all his being. In the last nine years during his battle with
the cancer he did everything he could to stay with them despite the pain
and suffering he was enduring.
He had a profound effect on people, always leaving a warm and inspiring
feeling.
The surviving Magic Dirt members, Adalita, Raul and Adam are absolutely
devastated at their loss and cannot fathom a future without him. Above
all else they will remember Dean as their beautiful and precious friend.
Kind, gentle, very funny and witty, had impeccable taste, a joy to be
around, a great storyteller, extremely trustworthy, honest, direct, a
diamond mind. They are so very proud of Dean’s brave fight and will do
everything in their power to ensure that Dean’s legacy of integrity and
spirit lives on.
The band has postponed their upcoming tour until further notice.
Magic Dirt’s love and thoughts go out to Dean’s family and to his wife
Linda and two children.

i wasn't especially a fan of his production work but kudos for getting out there and helping other bands

good bassplayer too

rip

Corner Hotel, Melbourne. Tonight.

Can't wait. :)

That duet with Roland S. Howard on their myspace player is soooooo good.

nice reverb

I remember this being such a punch in the gut shock when i first heard about it. i think iove seen magic dirt pre-2000 maybe 30 times. cant imagine them without him. also: fairy park still kills me.