Remembering the lives of Jimmy and the Boys frontman Ignatius Jones (67) and Game of Thrones actor Ian Gelder (74)

The music industry has been struck with a poignant loss as Ignatius Jones, the vibrant frontman of the legendary shock rock band Jimmy and the Boys, passed away at the age of 67.

Known for his theatrical performances, Jones's passing was announced by his sister, Monica Trapága, who is also a known figure in the entertainment industry as a former Play School host.

The news of his passing, which occurred in Iloilo, Philippines, after a short illness, sent ripples of sorrow through the arts community, both in Australia and internationally.



Ignatius Jones, born in the Philippines in 1957, moved with his family to Wahroonga in Sydney, where he would eventually make his indelible mark on the Australian music landscape.

Jimmy and the Boys, active during the 70s and 80s, became notorious for their provocative stage antics and catchy hits like 'I'm Not Like Everybody Else' and 'They Won't Let My Girlfriend Talk To Me.'


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Ignatius was known as the frontman of the 70s rock band Jimmy and the Boys. Image source: @thealertcontent/X (Twitter)



Their music and performances were emblematic of a time when rock was as much about the spectacle as it was about the sound, and Jones was at the forefront of this movement.

After the band dissolved, Jones's creative pursuits were far from over. He teamed up with his sister to form the swing band Pardon Me Boys, showcasing his versatility as a performer.



But his talents weren't confined to the stage; Jones also made significant contributions behind the scenes as an event director.

He was at the helm of the Sydney New Year's Eve celebrations for six years, a period during which he brought his unique flair to one of the city's most iconic events.

His directorial prowess was also on display in grand international events, such as the 2000 Olympic Games, the 2006 Asian Games, and the 2010 World Expo.

Jones's impact on the arts extended to various genres and mediums.

He directed productions for country music legend Dolly Parton and served as the Artistic Director of the Sydney Mardi Gras Parade from 2011 to 2015.

His dedication to the arts was recognised at the highest level when he was awarded the Order of Australia by Queen Elizabeth II in 2018 for his significant contributions to entertainment and literature.



Described by his sister as a 'bon-vivant' and a 'lively raconteur’, Jones was a Renaissance man with a deep passion for history and the arts.

‘The arts community in Australia has lost a champion, and dinner parties will now be less interesting, with his passing,’ she wrote.

Tributes have poured in from friends and colleagues, including author Wendy Harmer, who remembered Jones as 'dear, talented, funny, outrageous' and someone who made her wedding night 'wild and unforgettable' with his singing.

Rock singer Jimmy Barnes also shared a tribute on social media, posting: ‘Ignatius Jones was not only a shining light, but a blinding light that couldn’t be ignored.’

‘From his days with Jimmy & the Boys to the Olympics and Vivid, he was ahead of his game and ahead of his time. [Rest in peace], Iggy, Shine on.’



Ignatius Jones is survived by his choreographer husband Novy Bereber, his mother, brother, two sisters, and a loving extended family of nieces and nephews. His passing leaves a void in the world of rock, and the broader arts community, but his influence will continue to resonate for years to come.

You can watch one of Ignatius' performances here:


Source: YouTube​


In similar news, the entertainment world is in mourning following the unexpected passing of esteemed British actor Ian Gelder, who left an indelible mark on the industry with his portrayal of Kevan Lannister in the globally acclaimed series Game of Thrones.

At the age of 74, Gelder's life was cut short by bile duct cancer, a diagnosis he received just five months prior to his death.



Ian Gelder's career was a tapestry of diverse and memorable roles that spanned several decades.

He was not only a familiar face to fans of Game of Thrones, but also to viewers of Torchwood, His Dark Materials, Doctor Who, Snatch, and The Bill. His versatility and dedication to his craft made him an admired figure both on and off the screen.


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Ian Gelder passed away after a battle with bile duct cancer. Image source: @westerosies/X (Twitter)



The news of his passing was shared with a heavy heart by his husband and fellow actor, Ben Daniels, through a poignant social media post.

‘It is with huge huge sadness and a heavy heart broken into a million pieces that I’m leaving this post to announce the passing of my darling husband and life partner, Ian Gelder,’ he said.

‘Ian was diagnosed with bile duct cancer in December, and yesterday (May 6), he passed at 13.07. I’d stopped all work to be his carer, but neither of us had any idea that it would all be so fast. He was my absolute rock, and we’d been partners for more than 30 years,’ he added.



Ian Gelder was celebrated not only for his exceptional talent but also for his kindness, generosity, and loving nature.

Daniels' tribute highlighted Gelder's positive spirit, even in the face of his illness, and his ability to shine with joy and love despite the challenges he faced.

The photograph shared by Daniels, taken during the previous Christmas after Gelder's hospital stay, captures the essence of his indomitable spirit.

His recent work included an appearance in the BBC One period detective series Father Brown, and his portrayal of Mr. Dekker in Torchwood: Children of Earth.

In 2019, he guest-starred in the BBC TV series His Dark Materials, and in 2020, he appeared in Doctor Who as Zellin.

Beyond television, Gelder's talents graced the stages of London's West End and Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, where he performed in various productions, showcasing his range and depth as an actor.

You can watch one of his scenes in Game of Thrones here:


Source: YouTube​


Key Takeaways
  • Ignatius Jones, the frontman of the band Jimmy and the Boys, has passed away at the age of 67 following a short illness.
  • Jones was an influential figure in the arts, having contributed over 50 years as a performer, writer, and event director in both Australia and internationally.
  • He received the Order of Australia in 2018 for his significant contributions to entertainment and literature.
  • Veteran British actor Ian Gelder, known for his role as Kevan Lannister in Game of Thrones, has passed away at age 74.
  • Gelder's husband and fellow actor, Ben Daniels, shared the sad news on social media, mentioning Ian had been diagnosed with bile duct cancer five months earlier.
  • Throughout his extensive career, Gelder had significant roles in various series and films, including Torchwood, His Dark Materials, Doctor Who, Snatch, and The Bill.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to Ignatius Jones and Ian Gelder's loved ones and the countless individuals touched by their hearts and light. May they rest in peace.
 
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Ignatius Jones was an unsung hero in Australia's music scene, even though he scored an Order Of Australia in about 2018. I bought the two LPs of Jimmy and the Boys and saw them live quite a few times. He could put his body in impossible positions, all the time singing! His sidekick transvestite keyboardist, Joylene Hairmouth (aka Wayne O'Riordan) was a real scream in his/her wild dresses and beehive hairstyles.

Iggy will be sadly missed. RIP. 😢

I'm not familiar with Ian Gelder, having only watched the first ever episode of The Game Of Thrones.

EDIT: Should have read William O'Riordan....oops!
 
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