Rock legend Dick Diamonde of The Easybeats dies at 76, leaving behind a lasting musical legacy

The music world is mourning the loss of a legendary figure as news breaks about the passing of an ARIA Award-winning musician known for their significant contributions to the Australian music scene.

Celebrated for their role in a groundbreaking band that shaped the landscape of rock and pop, this artist's legacy is marked by unforgettable hits and a lasting impact on both fans and fellow musicians alike.

As tributes pour in from across the industry, many reflect on the profound influence this artist had on the sound and culture of Australian music.


Beloved Australian bass guitarist Dick Diamonde passed away earlier this month at the age of 76.

His death marks the end of an era for the country's rock ‘n roll legacy, as he was a key player in the band that put Australian music on the international map in the swinging ‘60s.

The iconic musician was a founding member of the legendary rock band The Easybeats.


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Dick Diamonde, founding member of The Easybeats and Australian bass guitarist, has died at 76. Credit: Facebook / Russell James Walsh


Australian music journalist Glenn A. Baker shared the tragic news on social media.

‘The Easybeats turned Australia upside down—they were like our Beatles and Rolling Stones combined,’ he wrote.

‘Founding member Dick was, like so many bass players, a sober anchor in the band. Farewell!’


Born Dingeman van der Sluijs in the Netherlands in 1947, Diamonde's family migrated to Australia during his childhood, a move that would set the stage for his future stardom.

The Easybeats, formed in Sydney in 1964, quickly rose to fame with their infectious energy and catchy tunes, becoming Australia's answer to the British Invasion that was sweeping the world.

Together with lead singer Stevie Wright and fellow musicians George Young and Harry Vanda, The Easybeats made a significant impact in America, at one point competing with The Beatles in terms of popularity.

With their 1966 smash hit ‘Friday on My Mind’, they achieved what no other Australian band had done before—breaking into the American market.

The song soared to number one on the Australian charts and impressively reached number 16 in the United States, a significant achievement that paved the way for future Aussie artists to dream big.


Diamonde's musical journey with The Easybeats was marked by several other hit singles, including ‘Sorry’ and ‘Good Times’, the latter of which was famously covered by INXS and Jimmy Barnes in 1987.

Diamonde was a member of the band throughout its entire existence from 1964 to 1969, after which he retired from music and led a quiet life.

In 2017, the band’s story was dramatized in the ABC mini-series Friday on My Mind, featuring Preacher star Du Toit Bredenkamp as Dick.

His steady bass lines were the foundation upon which the band's sound was built, and his contributions to music were recognised in 2005 when The Easybeats were inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame.

The loss of Dick Diamonde is felt deeply within the music community, both in Australia and around the world.

He is survived by his ex-wife Charlene Collins and leaves behind a rich musical heritage that will continue to inspire and entertain for generations to come.
Key Takeaways

  • Dick Diamonde, the Australian bass guitarist and founding member of The Easybeats, has passed away at age 76.
  • The Easybeats were Australia's first big rock band to achieve international success, particularly with their 1966 hit ‘Friday on My Mind’.
  • The Easybeats and Dick Diamonde were influential in the Australian music scene, with the band being inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame in 2005.
  • After retiring from music post-The Easybeats' active years, Diamonde lived a quieter life until his passing.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Dick Diamonde’s family, friends, and relatives in this difficult time. May he rest in peace.

As we bid farewell to this iconic rock legend, we invite our readers to share their memories of The Easybeats and the indelible mark they left on the soundtrack of our lives. Did you ever see them perform live? What did their music mean to you? Join us in celebrating the life and artistry of Dick Diamonde, a true pioneer of Australian rock.
 
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Oh, what a great time it was for music.
The Easybeats remind me of the days I used to tote around a record player and do the dancing in the lounge room thing with the vinyls hopping around and my best friend and I doing pretend guitar on tennis racquets.
Friday on my mind .... their big hit, then I remember She's so Fine, Hello How are You, River Deep Mountain High.....and many more.
They have left their mark on my mind. RIP DD
 
Oh Gosh, I loved THE EASYBEATS.
I saw them play many times at the local dances in Melbourne, Blazes in Oakleigh, at the Moorabbin Town Hall, Opus, I can't remember what suburb that was, and I also went into the Channel 10 studios to watch them perform on the TV show, GO. Unfortunately, when we moved into our Retirement Village, I couldn't bring all of my LP's. But did bring my little record player that I got for my 13th birthday, along with all of my singles and EP's. So, I do still have the Easybeats singles and EP's.
One day I am going to have some friends over and we will listen to all of old HITS.
 
Yes, a tragic loss to our music industry for sure. An incredible singer & performer. Friday On My Mind was indeed a tremendous song which certainly thrust the Easybeats to stardom.

As for a lot of us, we certainly had some fantastic artists of the 60's who'll all be part of our lives for evermore with incredible arrangements of songs. We had the best.

When "DD" hung his "Tonsils" up in '69, one can only hope that he had really enjoyable life.

Sing on & on.
 
We are all getting old and hearing news like this is part of our lives now. Every week someone we loved to watch in our youth leaves us, but we will see them all again in Rock n Roll’s heaven.
 
So sorry to hear of yet another musician passing away. I remember clearly how good the Easybeats wsere. So young to go. With the number of musicians we have lost recently, Heaven must have bcome very noisy as they would surely have reformed as Angel Bands!! Nevertheless, I send my condolences to his family on the loss of Dick Diamond.
 
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Reactions: Anmafin
Hmmmm - apart from the brief ackowledgement of the Beatles, there's no mention of what the band achieved in England or Europe where the Easybeats really made their mark
 
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Reactions: Marilynne

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