Mike Noga, esteemed solo artist and former drummer for Australian rock bands The Drones and Legends Of Motorsport has died at the age of 43.
"We are absolutely devastated to inform you of the passing of our beloved brother, son, uncle and dearest friend Mike," his family posted on Facebook this afternoon.
Mike Noga, singer-songwriter and former drummer of The Drones, has died aged 43, his family have confirmed.
A member of Noga’s family broke the news in a post to his official Facebook page this afternoon (August 27).
"We know how much he and his music meant to so many of you and there's nothing we can say to make this hurt any less.
"We miss you and love you so much, Mike.
The songwriter and multi-instrumentalist was a beloved figure in the Australian music scene.
His solo career showed his skill and ambition as a songwriter, his most recent album, 2017's KING, a deep concept record loosely based on Georg Büchner's great unfinished play Woyzeck.
A cause of death has not been given. NME has reached out to representatives from Noga’s former bandmates in The Drones, and will update this story if and when we receive a response.
Noga began his musical career in earnest in 1997 as part of the Tasmanian stoner rock band Legends of Motorsport.
Those solo endeavours also offered an insight into the high regard in which he was held. KING was produced by Something For Kate's Paul Dempsey and featured actor Noah Taylor, while past efforts saw artists like Davey Lane, Pat Bourke and more help brings his rich songs to life.
Noga made his fourth solo album, Open Fire, with Low founder Alan Sparhawk late in last year. It is scheduled for release early in 2021.
Noga was a member of The Drones for a decade, playing on the records Gala Mill, Havilah and I See Seaweed. He left the band in 2014.
"It felt like the right time to move away from The Drones. Ten years was a pretty good innings,' Noga told RN at the time.
"I will always hold that band dear to my heart."
Noga joined The Drones in 2004, replacing fellow Legends of Motorsport member Christian Strybosch after the recording sessions of ‘Wait Long By The River…’. Noga left amicably in 2014, swapping again with Strybosch to focus on his solo career.
Noga released three solo albums, his last being ‘KING’ in 2016. The record was produced by Paul Dempsey, and featured actor Noah Taylor as its “narrator”.
In July, Noga announced he had signed to Part Time Records to put out his new solo album. Double J report the album, recorded last year and produced by Alan Sparhawk of Low, is titled ‘Open Fire’ and is scheduled for release in 2021. NME has reached out to Part Time Records for comment.
In recent years, Noga was a regular contributor to ABC Hobart, offering his esteemed insights on music to the local audience.
