Shock as Underground Lovers and Black Cab musician Richard Andrew dies ‘suddenly’ aged 58 – as friends rally around widow

Respected Australian musician Richard Andrew has died at the age of 58 after a short battle with lung cancer.

Andrew, who was a fixture on the Melbourne music scene in Australia’s seminal indie bands such as The Underground Lovers, Crow and Black Cab, passed away in October, just days after announcing his illness to fans.

And now, one GoFundMe The campaign, named for Andrew’s widow Nicolette Powell, is calling on fans and the ‘Melbourne music community’ to come to Powell’s aid in her time of need.

‘Tragically, Nicolette’s difficulties did not end with Richard’s passing,’ the GoFundMe campaign reads.

‘She was already on carer’s leave, looking after her mother, who has a terminal brain tumor and whose life expectancy is very limited.

‘Now Nicolette faces the unimaginable task of mourning her husband while caring for her dying mother. Nicolette is dedicated to her work in palliative care, but as you can imagine, returning to work is not an option in this line of work at this time.’

Respected Australian musician Richard Andrew has died at the age of 58 after a short battle with lung cancer. Richard was best known as the drummer for 90s Melbourne band Underground Lovers.

The post went on to explain that as well as facing an uncertain financial future, Nicolette is currently caring for an elderly dog ​​with arthritis and a heart condition, as well as other animals that ‘are a precious part of Richard’s life’.

At the time of publication, the campaign had reached $11,095 of its $15,000 fundraising goal.

Andrew informed fans about his illness by sharing a heartbreaking post on Facebook on October 23.

The post was accompanied by a photo showing his recent wedding to Nicolette.

Andrew began: “After my last failed attempt to jump over 17 double-decker buses – A) that might help explain the fact that I’m in a wheelchair and B) that I’m going to marry the beautiful Nicolette Powell in this photo.” wide text.

‘Unfortunately, although marriage is absolutely right and based on love, the double-decker bus is unfortunately not entirely real. Instead, a few months ago I was diagnosed with Stage IV metastatic lung cancer; it was like a ball bearing car ride down the street lately.’

Moving on, Andrew admitted that he was resigned to his fate by saying goodbye to everyone who touched his life.

“Whatever the future holds, I’ve fully come to terms with the fact that it’s probably pretty limited, and I’m in the process of getting ready to burst this mortal coil and head back to the trees,” he wrote.

‘I cannot overstate enough what an honor and privilege it has been to have known you for the last 58 years and to have lived the most incredible, incredible life.’

And now, a GoFundMe campaign on behalf of Andrew’s widow Nicolette Powell is calling on fans and the ‘Melbourne music community’ to come to Powell’s aid in her time of need

‘Tragically, Nicolette’s difficulties did not end with Richard’s passing,’ the GoFundMe campaign reads. ‘She was already on carer’s leave, looking after her mother, who has a terminal brain tumor and whose life expectancy is very limited. Image: Underground Lovers

Tragically, Andrew passed away just over a week later, on October 30, while breaking the news on his Facebook page.

‘Our beautiful Richard John Andrew passed away this morning around 5.25am,’ the post read.

‘His death was epic, as was his life. He left this world face to face with his wife Nicolette, who sang The Flaming Lips’ song ‘Do you Realise’.

‘We are all heartbroken but relieved that our sweet prince is finally free.’

The post was met with immense sadness from family, friends and fans, including Andrew’s Crow bandmate Peter Fenton, who paid a heartfelt tribute.

‘Farewell my dear friend,’ he wrote.

‘Fly high among the trees and stars as you do in life, you wonderful man who is much loved, extremely funny and admired.

‘Thank you for the profound lesson of wisdom you have taught us through so many glorious adventures and your graceful and accepting departure from this world.’

Andrew tragically passed away just a week after informing fans of his illness via Facebook. Pictured with Andrew is Underground Lovers frontman Vincent Giarrusso

‘I will miss you Rich. I will miss that wild energy and the genuine love we had for each other. “We made great music together and laughed a lot,” he wrote.

Underground Lovers also paid heartfelt tributes to Andrew on social media.

“Goodbye Rich, you charming, beautiful, funny, extraordinary man,” the band’s frontman Vincent Giarrusso wrote on Instagram.

‘You steered the ship through sometimes treacherous seas and took us to places that were fascinating and out of this world.

‘I will miss you Rich. I will miss that wild energy and the genuine love we had for each other. We made great music together and laughed a lot.’

‘There’s so much I want to say, but I’m so hurt.’

Andrew was perhaps best known as the drummer of the seminal Melbourne indie rock/electro band Underground Lovers, joining the band in 1988, just before they changed their name to GBVB.

During his tenure with the band (until his departure in 1993) Andrew played on three of the band’s albums, as well as receiving the band’s only ARIA award for best new talent in 1992.

Underground Lovers initially disbanded in 2002, but Andrew was featured in their 2009 reunion and has performed on the band’s next three albums.

Following his initial departure from the band, Andrew joined Sydney rock band Crow, as well as Melbourne electronica band Black Cab, Registered Nurse and RJ Andrew.

He was also the founder of the record label Pharmacy Records.