I was saddened to wake up this morning to the news of Paul Gray’s passing. The Wa Wa Nee frontman lost his battle with myeloma, a type of blood cancer.
With his band Wa Wa Nee, Paul tore up the charts with tracks like “Stimulation” and “I Could Make You Love Me.” I wasn’t so familiar with his music at the time; my dad was more likely to blast Cold Chisel and Midnight Oil than ’80s pop. But I’ve seen him and his band countless times at various ’80s music celebrations. He was such a champion for the music of that era. He’d play a Wa Wa Nee set, but then settle in as part of the house band, a big smile on his face leaving no doubt about his excitement at playing cheesy 80s music with some of the biggest names in the business. Sometimes Wa Wa Nee didn’t even get a slot on the bill, but there he was. He didn’t need the spotlight; he just loved the music.
My husband snapped this photo at the Absolutely ’80s gig at the Enmore a few years back. That’s how I’m going to remember him: keytar strapped on, relishing the chance to play for fans who connected with this music as much as he did. Thanks for the memories Paul Gray.
Image source: own photo
