Ian ‘Ollie’ Olsen dead at 66: The musician collaborated with the late Michael Hutchence of band INXS fame

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Described as an ‘Australian post-punk and electronic music innovator,’ Ian ‘Ollie’ Olsen had been inducted into the Music Victoria Hall of Fame earlier this month.

Musician Ian ‘Ollie’ Olsen’s death was announced via a statement on his social media channels. The statement read: “It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Ollie Olsen. Ollie fought long and hard like the Viking he was against Multiple System Atrophy since 2019 when he first began to have symptoms. He passed peacefully in his sleep this morning under the care of The Royal Melbourne Hospital with his wife Jayne at his side.”

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The Instagram post also read: "We ask for privacy during this difficult time. Thank you for your support over the years, if you wish to help Jayne with funeral costs, you may do so via Ollie’s last fundraiser via Support Act.”

Musiciain Ian 'Ollie' Olsen has died at the age of 66Musiciain Ian 'Ollie' Olsen has died at the age of 66
Musiciain Ian 'Ollie' Olsen has died at the age of 66 | ollieolsenofficial/Instagram

Following the statement, many colleagues and fans left their own tributes. Musician Johnny Justin said: “Miss you forever and a day Ollie . Your wise words and musical guidance will echo in my brain and soul all my days 💜💜💜 Johnny,” whilst musician Warren Ellis wrote: “Sad sad news. Sending love to his family and loved ones. I jumped at any chance to see his bands live in the 80’s and 90’s until I left in 95.”

Wendy Joy Morrissey also paid tribute to Ian ‘Ollie’ Olsen and wrote: “Dearest Jane, I’m so sorry to hear. From the minute you stepped into each other’s lives you became each other’s everything.

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Having known Ollie since the days of Whirlywirld and the Primitive Calculators and our original little group of friends who formed The Little Bands. Ollie was the best of the best, such a bright and darling person.

“Thank you for all your love and care Jane, for everything you have done with and for Ollie.

A very sorrowful time for all of us who knew loved Ollie. 💔💔💔⭐️💫 🕊”

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ABC News reported that “Regarded as a trailblazer, he was the creative force of '70s post-punk bands The Young Charlatans and Whirlywirld, and numerable bands and projects thereafter, including Orchestra of Skin and Bone, NO, Third Eye, Hugo Klang, Taipan Tiger Girls, and Max Q, alongside INXS singer Michael Hutchence. 

“Olsen also wrote 'Rooms For The Memory', a rare Hutchence solo single, that became an Australian Top 10 hit in 1987.”

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