Christmas tragedy as The Gadflys bass player Jonathan Nix dies leaving fans heartbroken
Musician and award-winning filmmaker Jonathan Nix is being remembered as a multi-talented artistic force and “beautiful man” after his death at the age of 57.
Nix recorded in the 1990s with The Gadflys, whose brand of 'bastard jazz' and acoustic rock was heavily influenced by Violent Femmes and The Pogues.
He subsequently had a successful career writing and directing animated shorts, including Hello and The Missing Key, for which he also composed the music.
After being diagnosed with a brain tumor last June, Nix stopped making commercial films to focus on his own art and music.
He died on December 19, leaving behind wife Kathryn and sons Cohen and Arlo.
Musician and award-winning filmmaker Jonathan Nix is being remembered as a multi-talented artistic force and “beautiful man” after his death at the age of 57. Nix is depicted in the mid-1990s
The Gadflys paid tribute to Nix in a heartfelt post on the group's Facebook page.
“Sorry that our long-time friend and bassist Jonathan Nix has passed away,” the band wrote. “Our deepest condolences to Kathryn and the boys.”
Friends, fans and fellow musicians were shocked to hear of Nix's death just before Christmas.
“Incomprehensible that such a gifted and utterly incredible artistic mind and beautiful human being is no longer with us,” one woman wrote.
Another said: 'This is a shock. Yes. Amazingly talented. Could see the world in a completely unique way.'
Steve Kilbey, lead singer and bass guitarist of The Church, simply said, “Hi Jon. REST IN PEACE'.
Nix (above) recorded in the 1990s with The Gadflys, whose brand of 'bastard jazz' and acoustic rock was heavily influenced by Violent Femmes and The Pogues
Nix had credits on The Gadflys' recordings for playing double bass, banjo, piano, guitar and accordion, and contributing vocals.
He appeared on the EPs Don't Get Me Wrong (1993) and Guru (1994) and the albums Dimitri's Bungalow (1996) and Out of the Bag (1998).
The Gadflys were formed in Canberra in 1982 by brothers Phil and Mick Moriarty. After several breaks, variations in style and line-up changes, they are still performing more than 40 years later.
An obituary in nine newspapers stated that Nix would be cremated after a private service attended only by family.
A public event commemorating Nix would be held at the start of the new year to “celebrate his life and world-renowned art and music animation.”
Nix's family thanked the staff at Chris O'Brien Lifehouse Hospital and said donations in his memory could be made to that cancer treatment center.