Fans mourn the loss of Ollie Olsen (66) and Liam Payne (31), who shaped lives through music
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The Australian music community is mourning the sudden passing of Ian 'Ollie' Olsen, a revered figure in the post-punk and electronic music scenes who died at age 66.
In a tragic twist, Liam Payne, a member of the globally renowned boy band One Direction, has also allegedly died at the age of 31.
The loss of these two iconic musicians has sent shockwaves through their respective fan bases and the broader music industry, prompting an outpouring of grief and tributes from artists and fans alike.
Ollie Olsen's battle with Multiple System Atrophy, a condition he had been fighting since 2019, was a testament to his strength and resilience.
Described as a Viking for his tenacity, Olsen's family has requested privacy during this challenging time as they and the music world come to terms with the loss of such a pioneering artist.
As a multi-instrumentalist, composer, and sound designer, he was at the forefront of the '70s post-punk movement, founding bands like The Young Charlatans and Whirlywirld.
He was involved in numerous bands and projects, including Orchestra of Skin and Bone, NO, Third Eye, Hugo Klang, Taipan Tiger Girls, and the notable collaboration with INXS singer Michael Hutchence in Max Q.
His work extended beyond the stage and into the charts, with the Australian Top 10 hit 'Rooms For The Memory', a rare solo single for Hutchence, penned by Olsen himself.
Olsen's eclectic career saw him dabbling in various genres and mediums, from operas to orchestras, constantly embracing new challenges with a fearless spirit.
The news of his death comes at a poignant moment, as Olsen was set to be inducted into Music Victoria's Hall of Fame.
This recognition, described by Music Victoria CEO Simone Schinkel as 'easily the people's choice,' is a fitting tribute to a man whose work has influenced generations of musicians and left an indelible mark on the industry.
‘Music Victoria has been overwhelmed with calls for his induction dating back many years. ‘ he said.
‘He is a true artist and visionary in every sense of the word, consistently forging his path, delivering groundbreaking sounds with each new decade, influencing generations of musicians, and we're proud to celebrate his enduring legacy.’
Olsen's legacy is not just in the music he created but also in the lives he touched.
A recent Australian music charity Support Act campaign sought to raise funds for his medical expenses, demonstrating the community's support for Olsen during his health struggles.
In the wake of his passing, his family has directed those wishing to help to contribute towards funeral costs through the last fundraiser via the Support Act.
Olsen's journey through music saw him transition from the raw energy of punk to the innovative use of synthesisers in Whirlywirld and eventually to the realms of trance and dance music with the co-founding of the electronic record label Psy-Harmonics.
His early adoption of the internet and his work in sound design and film scores further showcased his versatility and pioneering spirit.
As we reflect on Ollie Olsen's remarkable life and career, we are reminded of the power of music to transcend boundaries and the impact one individual can have on an entire industry.
His collaborations with artists like Michael Hutchence, Bono, and The Edge and his mentorship of emerging talents have left a legacy that will continue to inspire and resonate with artists and fans alike.
Credit: YouTube
In other news, reporters from Argentina described a distressing scene.
The hotel manager reportedly called the local police station, describing an 'aggressive man who could be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.'
The fall, estimated to be between 13 to 14 meters, resulted in 'very serious injuries incompatible with life.'
Alberto Crescent, the head of local emergency services SAME (El Sistema de Atención Médica de Emergencias), confirmed the death in a televised statement.
'At 17.04, through 911, we were alerted about a person in an internal courtyard of the Casa Sur hotel. At 17.11, a SAME team arrived and confirmed the man’s death,' he said.
The identity of the deceased was later revealed to be that of the One Direction singer.
Pablo Policicchio, the spokesperson for the Security Ministry of Buenos Aires municipality, added to the narrative, stating that Payne 'had thrown himself from the balcony of his room.' Police had been called to the scene in response to reports of an 'aggressive man.'
Outside the hotel, emergency services set up a red tent around the scene, and investigations are ongoing to determine the exact incident circumstances.
Liam Payne's rise to fame with One Direction is well-documented.
The band, formed on The X Factor UK in 2010, became one of the best-selling boy bands ever.
Alongside Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, Louis Tomlinson, and Niall Horan, Payne enjoyed a career filled with chart-topping hits and millions of albums sold worldwide.
After the band went on an indefinite hiatus in 2016, Payne pursued a solo career with singles like 'Strip That Down' and 'Stack It Up.'
Just days before the reported incident, Payne was seen at former bandmate Niall Horan's concert in Argentina.
He is also a father to a seven-year-old son, Bear, whom he shares with singer Cheryl Cole.
Credit: YouTube
We invite readers to share their memories and tributes to the two iconic musicians in the comments below.
Let us celebrate their life through his artistry and innovation.
Rest in peace, Olsen and Liam.
In a tragic twist, Liam Payne, a member of the globally renowned boy band One Direction, has also allegedly died at the age of 31.
The loss of these two iconic musicians has sent shockwaves through their respective fan bases and the broader music industry, prompting an outpouring of grief and tributes from artists and fans alike.
Ollie Olsen's battle with Multiple System Atrophy, a condition he had been fighting since 2019, was a testament to his strength and resilience.
Described as a Viking for his tenacity, Olsen's family has requested privacy during this challenging time as they and the music world come to terms with the loss of such a pioneering artist.
Ian 'Ollie' Olsen, a prominent figure in Australian music, was lost at age 66. Credit: @ollieolsenofficial / TikTok
As a multi-instrumentalist, composer, and sound designer, he was at the forefront of the '70s post-punk movement, founding bands like The Young Charlatans and Whirlywirld.
He was involved in numerous bands and projects, including Orchestra of Skin and Bone, NO, Third Eye, Hugo Klang, Taipan Tiger Girls, and the notable collaboration with INXS singer Michael Hutchence in Max Q.
His work extended beyond the stage and into the charts, with the Australian Top 10 hit 'Rooms For The Memory', a rare solo single for Hutchence, penned by Olsen himself.
Olsen's eclectic career saw him dabbling in various genres and mediums, from operas to orchestras, constantly embracing new challenges with a fearless spirit.
The news of his death comes at a poignant moment, as Olsen was set to be inducted into Music Victoria's Hall of Fame.
This recognition, described by Music Victoria CEO Simone Schinkel as 'easily the people's choice,' is a fitting tribute to a man whose work has influenced generations of musicians and left an indelible mark on the industry.
‘Music Victoria has been overwhelmed with calls for his induction dating back many years. ‘ he said.
‘He is a true artist and visionary in every sense of the word, consistently forging his path, delivering groundbreaking sounds with each new decade, influencing generations of musicians, and we're proud to celebrate his enduring legacy.’
Olsen's legacy is not just in the music he created but also in the lives he touched.
A recent Australian music charity Support Act campaign sought to raise funds for his medical expenses, demonstrating the community's support for Olsen during his health struggles.
In the wake of his passing, his family has directed those wishing to help to contribute towards funeral costs through the last fundraiser via the Support Act.
Olsen's journey through music saw him transition from the raw energy of punk to the innovative use of synthesisers in Whirlywirld and eventually to the realms of trance and dance music with the co-founding of the electronic record label Psy-Harmonics.
His early adoption of the internet and his work in sound design and film scores further showcased his versatility and pioneering spirit.
As we reflect on Ollie Olsen's remarkable life and career, we are reminded of the power of music to transcend boundaries and the impact one individual can have on an entire industry.
His collaborations with artists like Michael Hutchence, Bono, and The Edge and his mentorship of emerging talents have left a legacy that will continue to inspire and resonate with artists and fans alike.
Credit: YouTube
In other news, reporters from Argentina described a distressing scene.
The hotel manager reportedly called the local police station, describing an 'aggressive man who could be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.'
The fall, estimated to be between 13 to 14 meters, resulted in 'very serious injuries incompatible with life.'
Alberto Crescent, the head of local emergency services SAME (El Sistema de Atención Médica de Emergencias), confirmed the death in a televised statement.
'At 17.04, through 911, we were alerted about a person in an internal courtyard of the Casa Sur hotel. At 17.11, a SAME team arrived and confirmed the man’s death,' he said.
The identity of the deceased was later revealed to be that of the One Direction singer.
Pablo Policicchio, the spokesperson for the Security Ministry of Buenos Aires municipality, added to the narrative, stating that Payne 'had thrown himself from the balcony of his room.' Police had been called to the scene in response to reports of an 'aggressive man.'
Liam Payne, One Direction star, has been reported dead at 31 after a fall from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires. Credit: Shutterstock
Outside the hotel, emergency services set up a red tent around the scene, and investigations are ongoing to determine the exact incident circumstances.
Liam Payne's rise to fame with One Direction is well-documented.
The band, formed on The X Factor UK in 2010, became one of the best-selling boy bands ever.
Alongside Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, Louis Tomlinson, and Niall Horan, Payne enjoyed a career filled with chart-topping hits and millions of albums sold worldwide.
After the band went on an indefinite hiatus in 2016, Payne pursued a solo career with singles like 'Strip That Down' and 'Stack It Up.'
Just days before the reported incident, Payne was seen at former bandmate Niall Horan's concert in Argentina.
He is also a father to a seven-year-old son, Bear, whom he shares with singer Cheryl Cole.
Credit: YouTube
Let us celebrate their life through his artistry and innovation.
Rest in peace, Olsen and Liam.
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