The Australian music industry has lost another of its own, with the passing of Harvey James. The Sherbet guitarist died last night in Melbourne aged 58 following a battle with lung cancer.
“Dad passed away peacefully at 8.15 pm tonight,” his daughter Alexandra wrote on the Send Your Love To Harvey James’ Facebook page. “We would like to thank everybody for all the wonderful support over the past 6 months. The love has been overwhelming. Rest in peace my gorgeous, funny, amazing father. We will miss you every day forever.”
Harvey joined Sherbet after stints with Mississippi alongside Little River Band’s Beeb Birtles and Graham Goble and Ariel, with Spectrum’s Mike Rudd. He replaced Sherbet’s founding member Clive Shakespeare, and was with the band for their biggest hit, “Howzat.” He left Sherbet in 1982, two years before they eventually disbanded.
Sherbet planned to reform for the Gimme That Guitar benefit concert to raise funds for Harvey next month. At this stage it’s unclear whether that sold-out show will go ahead, but we’ll keep your posted. Until then, here’s the video for that mammoth hit.