Ian Lees, the veteran bassist for Australian rock band Moving Pictures, has died in his 60s of a heart attack on November 23, the band and multiple reports confirmed. Lees was a defining presence on the band’s 1980s hits and an active touring member until his sudden passing.
- Fast Facts
- Age: in his 60s
- Cause of death: heart attack (Nov. 23)
- Tenure with Moving Pictures: 1978–1987 and 2011–2025
- Best known for: “What About Me?” (1982) and the album Days of Innocence (1981)
- Support: GoFundMe for family has raised over $52,000
- Survived by wife Meny and daughter Erin
Lees played bass for Moving Pictures during the band’s original run from 1978 to 1987, and returned in 2011 to perform with the group until his death. He is widely credited with the deep groove and tone that helped the band become one of Australia’s most enduring rock acts.
The Legacy
Ian Lees’ playing appears on the band’s breakthrough records and on tracks that reached international audiences. Key highlights of his career include:
- “What About Me?” (1982) — the song that became Moving Pictures’ signature hit, reaching No. 29 on the Billboard chart in 1983 and later covered by Shannon Noll (2004).
- “Never” — featured on the soundtrack of the 1984 film Footloose, bringing Lees’ bass work to movie audiences worldwide.
- Days of Innocence (1981) — Moving Pictures’ No. 1 Australian debut album on which Lees played, a record that helped define early ’80s Australian rock and later placed songs in the 2007 comedy Hot Rod.
Over three decades Lees recorded and toured with fellow musicians across genres, earning a reputation as a sensitive accompanist and an unflashy, reliable groove player whose work continued to resonate with new generations.
Social Proof: Reactions and Tributes
News of Lees’ death prompted immediate tributes from bandmates, collaborators and fans. Moving Pictures vocalist Alex Smith confirmed the loss on social media, writing: “Forever and ever my friend, and just quietly the world’s greatest bass player. I love you, mate.”
Country singer Melinda Schneider — who employed Lees in her band for more than 25 years and said he was due to join her on tour in two weeks — described him as “one of the most beautiful humans on the planet,” and set up a GoFundMe to support his family; that fund has raised more than $52,000 as of this writing.
Peers in the Australian music community echoed the loss. “Some musicians leave a mark with their sound; Ian Lees left a mark with his soul,” country singer Kirsty Cox wrote. Australian artist Angus Gill added: “Devastated to hear of Ian Lees’ passing today. A legendary musician, a truly kind soul.”
Lees is survived by his wife, Meny, and daughter, Erin. Funeral and memorial details are expected to be shared by family and representatives as arrangements are confirmed.
If you knew Ian’s work or want to support his family, the GoFundMe page set up by Melinda Schneider is accepting donations and messages of condolence.
Image Referance: https://www.suggest.com/rock-music-star-ian-lees-has-died-cause-of-death-revealed/2908530/