Chris Turner dead: Beloved 70s rock icon dies after tragic health battle

Iconic 1970s rock musician Chris Turner has died following a long health battle. The Australian music legend, who was best known for performing with icons Angry Anderson and Billy Thorp, died on Wednesday October 22nd in his late 60s, US singer Cletis Carr confirmed. He penned in an emotional tribute: "Still processing the loss of my long-time friend, bandmate, and surrogate 'big brother' Chris Turner.

"We lost Chris just a few hours ago, he'd been battling multiple health issues for many year.

"I'd just phoned him last Wednesday, he was frustrated at now being wheelchair-bound, but was upbeat and optimistic about being back in the studio, mixing tracks for a new release. My sympathies and love go out to family." Turner began his music career in the 60s, and worked with legends such as David Bowie, Steve Marriott and John Mayall. He began touring New Zealand with his bands The Chris Turner Group and The Wranglers

His career took off in the 70s, with him playing with Angry Anderson's group Rose Tattoo and Sydney's Buffalo. Turner proved to be a beloved musician in Australia, creating a career that spanned six decades, over which he played with hundreds of musicians and recorded dozens of albums, influencing different generations of guitarists.

The rock icon's health began to decline as he underwent multiple major hand operations in the 1990s, but he was reluctant to slow down.

He carried on recording, performing and producing on multiple rock and blues albums, and continued performing live well into the 2010s.

His later projects were with The Blues Pirates, The Cave Men, Turner & Simmons, and collaborations with Alex Smith of Moving Pictures.

He is survived by his three children, Jesse, Billy and Tilly.

Tributes have poured in on social media, as one fan penned: "Quite a shock. Liked his work in Buffalo & solo career from the Big Rock Records catalogue. RIP Chris."

Another added: "A Gentleman with a big heart. RIP Mr Turner."

A third chimed in: "Saw Chris many times with his bandmates at the Monday music trivia at Miss Celie's in Ashfield, Sydney. Condolences to family and friends."

A fourth wrote: "RIP Chris thanks for the memories condolences to his family and friends."