Lonely Boys guitarist passes away in NT car crash

The lead guitarist of the Northern Territory hardcore-metal band Lonely Boys has died when his vehicle rolled over on the Roper Highway.

The father of one was the sole occupant, according to police, and died at the scene.

As per his community’s cultural wishes, his name and image will not be included in this story.

The crash occurred on Sunday morning close to the remote community of Urapunga, located near the band’s hometown of Ngukurr on the Roper River in southern Arnhem Land, 700 km south-east of Darwin.

The band’s record label, Darwin-based Skinnyfish Music issued a statement:

“He was much loved by his community and throughout wider South East Arnhem Land.

“He was always a feature at The Barunga Festival and had strength of character and a sharp wit that would charm anyone from local Ngukurr family to Adam Briggs and Josh Homme.

“Our label will miss him dearly as will the vast NT music industry and we send our heartfelt condolences to his family.”

The musician’s death comes just as the band, formed ten years ago combining thrash riffs with their own dialect, started to widen its national appeal.

Last year they opened for Queens of the Stone Age‘s Darwin show, driving nine hours from their community to play to 3,000 people.

Their track Murray Island won the rock category at the 2016 NT Song of the Year awards.

They were about to tour the East Coast before they recorded their third album.

Their early recordings saw them work with producers James Mangohig and Forrester Savall.