Andrew Brough, the renowned Dunedin musician best known for his work with Straitjacket Fits, has passed away, his former bandmates report.
Brough’s passing was announced via Facebook this morning, with his former Straitjacket Fits bandmates sharing a short message. “So saddened to report that our band mate Andrew Brough has passed away in Dunedin,” the post explained. “Not much to say right now, but sending aroha to Andrew’s whanau and loved ones.”
According to New Zealand publication Stuff, Brough’s former Blue Meanies bandmate Martin Kean also confirmed the news. Police reportedly responded to a death in the same Dunedin suburb that Brough lived in on Tuesday morning, with a spokesperson revealing that the death is not suspicious.
Having performed in bands since high school, Brough rose to fame as a member of Straitjacket Fits, having joined them in 1987, one year after they formed. During his tenure within the band, Brough performed on songs such as “Down In Splendour”, and appeared on their Hail and Melt records.
In his 2019 book Dead People I Have Known, frontman Shayne Carter explained that Brough was a “good fit” for the band, and helped them achieve the Beatlesque sound they had desired. “The first time Andrew stepped on the mic and played his round, Revolver guitar, we knew we’d hit on a sound,” he explained.
Following the supporting tour of Melt in 1991, Brough left the band, leaving the group with less of a melodic sound than they had previously featured. Teaming up with bassist Tristan Mason and drummer Karl Buckley, Brough debuted his new band, Bike, releasing a self-titled EP in 1996, before issuing the album Take the Sun in 1997.
Though Straitjacket Fits split in 1994, Brough was invited to take part in their 2005 reunion, but turned the offer down. In 2008, he was inducted into the New Zealand Music Hall of Fame due to his work with the group.
In a statement offered to Stuff by iconic label Flying Nun Records, a spokesperson explained that they were “shocking and saddened” by his passing.
“Our hearts and thoughts go out to his family, friends and all those who knew him,” Flying Nun stated. “We’re so lucky to have been touched by his music and he will be deeply missed.”
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