Ian Lees, Bassist for Moving Pictures, Dies

Ian Lees, the bass player for legendary Australian band Moving Pictures, passed away on Sunday after suffering a heart attack.

His death was confirmed by Moving Pictures’ vocalist Alex Smith on social media, who shared: “Ian David Lees; forever and ever my friend, and just quietly the worlds greatest bass player. I love you mate.”

The bassist, who was in his 60s, was an integral part of Moving Pictures’ success during his stints from 1978 to 1987, including their debut album Days of Innocence (1981) which reached No. 1 in Australia, and again from 2011.

His playing garnered attention locally and overseas when “What About Me” reached No. 1 in Australia and No. 29 in the US in 1983. The song was later made popular by Shannon Noll on Australian Idol in 2004.

Lees also played on Moving Pictures’ “Never”, famously known for being on the original Footloose film soundtrack. His music also featured in 2007’s Hot Rod starring Australian actress Isla Fisher.

He was also a one-time member of the Kevin Borich Express, the James Blundell Band and the Mal Eastick Band. For over 20 years, he had also been the bass player for the Melinda Schneider Band, and was scheduled to tour with her next month.

She also took to social media to pay tribute: “I am in absolute shock that we have lost one of the most beautiful humans on the planet. Ian Lees was in my band for over 20 years, he was the most gorgeous, funny, talented, empathetic, wise man.

“We’ve laughed, we’ve cried, we’ve managed difficult situations together (and there are many challenging ones on the road) and he always carried himself with grace and the most disarming sense of humour, which always lightened the mood. Sooo many laughs, so many memories. I feel completely devastated by this loss. My heart goes out to his beautiful girls, Meny, Erin and Melody at this heartbreaking time,” Schneider wrote.

Other tributes have started pouring in, including from Golden Guitar winner Angus Gill. He described Lees as a “legendary musician and a truly kind soul”. Meanwhile, producer Matt Fell said: “Love poured out of him everytime you saw him, without fail. We will all miss that incredible smile and those perfectly placed low notes.”

Schneider has set up a Go Fund Me page for Lees’ family.