NZ country music legend Noel Parlane passes away
PRESS RELEASE:
The country music community of New Zealand and Australia are mourning the loss of Noel Parlane.
Noel will be remembered as a regular performer on the hugely popular TVNZ 'Thats Country' New Zealand television program.
Born in Roxborough Otago in 1951. Winning the New Zealand Gold Guitar in 1978 would be the beginning of a wonderful career that would span 4 decades. From his first studio album 1980 'Country Heartaches' became Gold in New Zealand and sold an impressive 40,000 albums in Australia, to his latest album 'Everybody's Here' in 2015, Noel recorded a total of 18 studio albums with 4 enjoying Gold Record Sales status.
Noel was presented many New Zealand and Australian Awards.
Noel was an inductee into both the Australian Country Music Association 'Hands of Fame' in Tamworth in 1986 and the Hands of Fame in Gore New Zealand 1994.
In 1998 Noel travelled to Nashville where he visited the Grand Ole Opry and was invited to appear on the Midnight Jamboree Concert, a show which went live to 80 million listeners across the USA. In 2000 Noel shifted back to Brisbane where he became very popular with his performances around Australia.
A multi award winning artist and popular with his peers. Noels latest album had just released in Australia and in New Zealand when he received devastating news that he had been diagnosed with mesothelioma, thought to have been caused through working with asbestos as a young man.
Noel's first single 'If you wanna to be a country singer' from his new album has been in the Top 40 Country tracks charts, Number one of the European Independent Country top 200 chart and had been receiving a good level of airplay on Country shows globally.
Noel was invited to perform at The Country Music Award New Zealand in Hamilton (CMANZ) on the 8th of August and is a nominee for New Zealand Country Male Artist of the Year 2015. He had pulled out from performing due to his health.
Gray Bartlett MBE (Patron for the Country Music Award New Zealand) said:"Really saddened to hear of the death of an old mate and wonderful Country Music Star. Noel Palane, we go back decades and remember well his superb performances n our show. 'That's country' and many concert tours. RIP my friend"
21/6/2015. Noel Parlane passed away peacefully this morning surrounded by his loving wife Marie, sons Dan, Brendon, Ryan and Daughter Rebecca.
"He was a Country Music Legend, a proud Kiwi, loving Husband, Father, Pop, Brother and inspiration to many. May he rest in peace. Noel Parlane 1951 – 2015"