Andrew Brough (Straightjacket Fits, Bike), RIP

Sad to report that New Zealand songwriter and musician Andrew Brough, who played in such groups as Straightjacket Fits and Bike has died. “Not much to say right now, but sending aroha to Andrew’s whanau and loved ones,” wrote Straightjacket Fits while NZ label Flying Nun, who released the Straightjacket Fits and Bike albums, wrote, “our hearts and thoughts go out to his family, friends and all those who knew him. We’re so lucky to have been touched by his music and he will be deeply missed.”

Raised in Dunedin, Brough played in bands Blue Meanies and The Orange before joining Straightjacket Fits in 1986 where his gift for melody and shimmering guitar provided a foil to Shayne Carter’s noisier side of the band. His song “Down in Splendour,” from Straightjacket Fits’ 1990 album Melt (his last with the group), is arguably the band’s pinnacle and remains a dreampop classic. (Watch the video below.) After leaving Straightjacket Fits, Brough formed Bike and their 1997 album, Take In The Sun, is an underrated gem. You can stream that below too.

Rest in peace, Andrew. Read tributes from fellow musicians below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZlVQyJHBKzY&feature=emb_title

https://twitter.com/StraitjacketFit/status/1224556314237362177