‘There is little that can console us’: The 61-year-old who brought wild joy to generations of punters has passed
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The Australian music community has been rocked by the loss of one of its most vibrant figures.
What began as a private health battle has ended in heartbreak for fans, friends, and family alike.
Tributes are pouring in as the curtain closes on the life of a beloved frontman.
The Australian music scene was in mourning following the death of Clowns of Decadence frontman Mark Fenech.
Fenech, known to fans as ‘Ocker Bozo’, died on 20 May after a 14-month battle with a rare and aggressive form of bone cancer.
He was 61.
The Adelaide-born performer had been a fixture in the city’s live music circuit for more than four decades, both as a headliner and a passionate supporter of local talent behind the scenes.
His wife, Lisa, confirmed the sad news in a post shared to his social media account.
‘It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we share the passing of Mark Fenech also known as “Ocker Bozo” from the Clowns of Decadence,’ she wrote.
‘On Tuesday, the 20th of May 2025, after a long and brave battle for 14 months from a rare form of bone cancer, which sadly had spread throughout Mark's body, he lost his fight to this insidious disease.’
Lisa added that it was Mark’s final wish that his family’s privacy be respected.
She explained that while she was not on social media herself, messages of support and condolences were welcome on Mark’s page.
Fans responded swiftly, flooding the post with heartfelt messages and memories of the beloved performer.
The remaining Clowns of Decadence members also shared a tribute through their official social media page.
‘It is with the heaviest of hearts that the Clowns of Decadence farewell from this planet our magnificent and infamous front man, Ockerbozo (aka. Mark Fenech),’ the band wrote.
‘There is little that can console us from the devastation of losing our dear friend and brother in arms.’
‘Mark has been a shining light in the Adelaide live music scene for the past 40 years, both on stage and working behind the scenes to support other local bands and venues.’
A funeral for Fenech was scheduled to be held in Adelaide on Friday, 30 May.
He is survived by his wife and their two children.
Fans wanting to revisit the band’s eccentric energy and theatrical flair can take a trip down memory lane with one of their classic performances.
Watch the video below to see Mark Fenech in his element.
Source: Youtube/Doc Boom
Mark Fenech’s legacy will live on through the music, memories, and moments he created both on and off stage.
His presence was a gift to the Adelaide music scene, and his absence will be deeply felt.
May he rest in peace.
What began as a private health battle has ended in heartbreak for fans, friends, and family alike.
Tributes are pouring in as the curtain closes on the life of a beloved frontman.
The Australian music scene was in mourning following the death of Clowns of Decadence frontman Mark Fenech.
Fenech, known to fans as ‘Ocker Bozo’, died on 20 May after a 14-month battle with a rare and aggressive form of bone cancer.
He was 61.
Mark Fenech loses 14-month cancer battle. Image source: Facebook/Mark Fenech
The Adelaide-born performer had been a fixture in the city’s live music circuit for more than four decades, both as a headliner and a passionate supporter of local talent behind the scenes.
His wife, Lisa, confirmed the sad news in a post shared to his social media account.
‘It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we share the passing of Mark Fenech also known as “Ocker Bozo” from the Clowns of Decadence,’ she wrote.
‘On Tuesday, the 20th of May 2025, after a long and brave battle for 14 months from a rare form of bone cancer, which sadly had spread throughout Mark's body, he lost his fight to this insidious disease.’
Lisa added that it was Mark’s final wish that his family’s privacy be respected.
She explained that while she was not on social media herself, messages of support and condolences were welcome on Mark’s page.
Fans responded swiftly, flooding the post with heartfelt messages and memories of the beloved performer.
The remaining Clowns of Decadence members also shared a tribute through their official social media page.
‘It is with the heaviest of hearts that the Clowns of Decadence farewell from this planet our magnificent and infamous front man, Ockerbozo (aka. Mark Fenech),’ the band wrote.
‘There is little that can console us from the devastation of losing our dear friend and brother in arms.’
‘Mark has been a shining light in the Adelaide live music scene for the past 40 years, both on stage and working behind the scenes to support other local bands and venues.’
A funeral for Fenech was scheduled to be held in Adelaide on Friday, 30 May.
He is survived by his wife and their two children.
Fans wanting to revisit the band’s eccentric energy and theatrical flair can take a trip down memory lane with one of their classic performances.
Watch the video below to see Mark Fenech in his element.
Source: Youtube/Doc Boom
Mark Fenech’s legacy will live on through the music, memories, and moments he created both on and off stage.
His presence was a gift to the Adelaide music scene, and his absence will be deeply felt.
May he rest in peace.
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