Five-decade musical career is Died Pretty singer’s legacy
Ron S. Peno, charismatic singer of Australian rock group Died Pretty, has died. He was 68.
Peno was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer in early 2019. Following treatment and surgery, he returned to live performances but received another cancer diagnosis in 2021.
Ron S. Peno fronted Died Pretty over four decades. He died on Friday, aged 68, in Melbourne.Credit:
He died at home, in Melbourne on Friday night, surrounded by wife Charity and son Zebadiah, according to a statement from his bandmates.
“For the last four-and-a-half years, as he battled cancer, Ron displayed a resolute positivity and a profound depth of character that has proved inspirational to his fellow band members, manager and many friends,” the statement said.
“In the face of adversity he was towering. For the 40 years Ron entertained us as Died Pretty’s frontman he was never less than always charismatic.
“He has provided warm and enduring memories for those who shared the stage with him and for his audience.
“For many he is the soundtrack of their lives. He leaves us a legacy of extraordinary recordings that will continue to be treasured into the future.”
Peno formed Died Pretty with guitarist Brett Myers in 1983 in Sydney. Peno previously sang briefly with the Screaming Tribesmen and punk band the Hellcats.
Originally from Gosford, Peno launched himself into a lifelong career and love affair with music in Sydney, before briefly relocating to Brisbane. He lived in Melbourne for the past two decades.
Died Pretty’s debut album, Free Dirt, was released in 1986, but it was 1991 album Doughboy Hollow that catapulted the band into Australia’s album charts and earned them three ARIA Award nominations.
In 1993, Died Pretty’s Trace album peaked in 11th spot on the ARIA album chart.
Peno released eight albums with Died Pretty and the group toured extensively before splitting up in 2002. They reunited several times, most recently in 2016, and toured nationally with veteran Sydney rockers Radio Birdman in 2017.
Died Pretty was due to embark on a headline tour earlier this year, until Peno and drummer Chris Welsh required cancer treatment.
Peno was also the talismanic frontman and lyricist of Melbourne-based group the Superstitions with co-founding member Cam Butler. The group released four critically acclaimed albums over a decade, including debut release Future Universe in 2011.
Most at home on stage, Peno recorded three albums with long-time friend Kim Salmon (the Scientists, the Surrealists, Beasts of Bourbon) as the Darling Downs, and the duo’s sporadic, hypnotic performances were the stuff of legend.
“RIP the legendary inimitable punk poet performer Ron S. Peno,” friend and Melbourne-based musician Paulie Stewart posted on social media on Saturday. “Never forget you Ronnie.”
“Ronnie was a lovely guy and his passing is a big loss to the Australian music scene,” Ed Kuepper wrote on social media.
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