Vale: James Freud
James Freud, best known as frontman to ARIA Hall of Fame inductees The Models has died, aged 51.
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James Freud, best known as frontman to pop band The Models has died, aged 51.
Police confirmed a 51 year-old man was found dead by family members at his Hawthorn home about 9.30am today.
They said the circumstances were not suspicious.
The Models, which had hits with songs including Freud-penned “Out of Mind, Out of Sight” were inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame just last week, although Freud did not attend.
Music promoter and close friend Michael Gudinski said, “James’ battle with alcoholism has been well chronicled. His two books on his recovery and five years sobriety were bestsellers and gave a lot of people who were suffering the same affliction comfort and hope.”
Freud penned two books I am the Voice Left from Drinking and its sequel I am the Voice Left from Rehab.
“Unfortunately, James has succumbed to his disease and taken his own life this morning,” said Gudinski.
“James was a true pioneer – he successfully crossed over from Australia’s burgeoning punk scene in the early 80s, to then create some of the most played tracks in Australia’s recording history.”
The band was also a regular act on shows including Countdown.
He once wrote that the reality of performing on Countdown was anything but glamorous. “It was weird you know, because obviously growing up as kids you just wanted to be on Countdown. That was the pinnacle of success.
“When we actually did it, it was Christmas day. It was just over in a blink. We were terrified. We had all day rehearsing. We were just sort of standing there sweating and shaking and they said ‘OK you’re on!’ and then all these girls were screaming. And then we had to go out and get in our crappy old car. It was an incredible anti-climax you know. I kind of wandered down to the 7-11, got a pie, and went home and that was it.
“I think generally life as a rock star is a bit like that. It’s filled with these moments of incredible highs and then you just plonk back into reality, which is just so banal that you tend to despise that and want more of the other.”
The 2010 ARIA Awards will be held this Sunday in Sydney, no doubt marking his passing.
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- Tagged with ARIA Awards, ARIA Hall of Fame, Countdown
15 Responses
re Modern Girl, really enjoy the song, but preferred Star To Star, which I think was only ever an album track. My introduction to James Freud & The Radio Stars (as they were at that point) was as support act for Gary Numan! (Roger Mason went on to be a semi-regular keyboardist for Numan) Loved their stuff. Breaking Silence is a classic album of the time – such a shame only one song became well-known (also a shame the Numan-produced James Freud album was never released) – hope it gets re-issued on CD soon, have been hoping it would.
@ john Modern Girl is a new wave classic. My favourite Models song though is Barbados,the song and video are pure 80s. Best of luck in your next life James.
Really sad to hear this. He was a great performer and he also made an excellent cuppa. Thanks for the music and thanks for the cuppa.
This is so sad, only happened one week after the ARIA Hall of Fame.
@lynne: I think James chose not to go to the function.
According to Sean Kelly during his induction speech,James had had another motorbike accident-seems there was more going on. Sad news as we lose another iconic aussie artist.
Like Inxs,Dragon,Aus Crawl & the like The Models were part of the music landscape of the aussie 80’s.
But apart from the oft mentioned hits revisit classics such as King Of Kings & for me James’ best Hold On or Modern Girl.
I’m a bit anal – as were the band – about there being no “the” in the band’s name. Yeah, that’s tragic.
Not as tragic as the loss of James. He was every inch a rock star to the end.
@ lynne James chose not to attend, apparently because he didn’t like to be at alcohol fueled events.
One of the best bands to see play. So sad to have lost James to the same disease as the wonderful Paul Hester.
Thanks for the help lines David!!!
– Please support Movember and stop this happening.
I’m devastated!! One of my favourite bands in my teens. An incredibly talented individual – so sad that James couldn’t get the upper hand on his addiction. Vale, Mr Freud xx
Why wasn’t he invited to the induction??
P.S. David, nice touch to add the helplines there at the end. As I said, it’s very sad when something like this happens.
Wow, what a great loss. His two books are a fantastic read. RIP
Sad stuff! Too many people dieing of late
Thanks for the fond memories James. RIP
Very sad to hear this. 🙁
I spent my 1980s continually listening to the likes of Inxs, Dragon and The Models. Today I am guttered and in mourning yet again. Right now I see him sharing a whisky or three with Michael Hutchence and Marc Hunter. Us Models fans will never let you be “Outta Mind, Outta Sight” James. Rest in Peace :0(