Australian Rock Icon Jon English Dies At 66

Australian rocker Jon English has died.

The much loved singer-songwriter passed away overnight due to complications from surgery.

He died surrounded by family, including his four children Jessamin, Josephine, Jonnie and Julian, and his wife Carmen.

English shot to fame in the early 1970s in his role as Judas in the Australian version of stage musical Jesus Christ Superstar.

He picked up a Logie Award for best new talent in 1979 for his starring role in Australian TV series Against the Wind, and went on to become well known for his roles in Gilbert and Sullivan operettas.

In the 1990s, he starred in Australian sitcom All Together Now alongside Rebeca Gibney and now Today show weatherman Steve Jacobs.

Just two weeks ago, English fell ill and was hospitalised, waiting to undergo “a small operation”, his fans were advised on Facebook.

A photo of the weary performer in a hospital bed was accompanied by a hopeful message, that he was “expected to make a full recovery over the coming weeks”.

His deterioration was documented on Facebook page, where regretful messages were posted apologising to fans he had to pull out of various performances.

“He apologies to all his fans who were looking forward to the day, but assures everyone he will be back to full health and rocking out on stage with you all again very soon (he is in fact itching to do so!),” a message posted just three days ago read.

This is the opening of his hit 1970s show Against The Wind, featuring his beautiful song Six Ribbons.