George Michael and Wham Bass Player Deon Estus Dead At 65 - Noise11.com
George Michael photo by Ros OGorman

George Michael photo by Ros OGorman

George Michael and Wham Bass Player Deon Estus Dead At 65

by Music-News.com on October 13, 2021

in News

George Michael and Wham!’s longtime bassist, Deon Estus, has died.

Michael’s long-serving band member during his stint in Wham and his solo career sadly passed away aged 65 on Monday (11.10.21).

A statement on Deon’s Twitter page read: “It is with real sadness I post that Deon Estus passed away This Morning. Deon was mostly known as the third member of Wham! Deon was passionate about music and loved interacting with his loyal fans.”

As well as being an exceptional bassist, Deon co-wrote the song ‘Heaven Help Me’ with George, with his iconic vocals featured on the track, and the hit made the top 5 in 1989 in the US.

Deon also played bass for music legends including Tina Turner, Frank Zappa, George Clinton, Annie Lennox, and Sir Elton John.

Tributes have poured in for the musician, with Wham! backing singer Shirlie Kemp tweeting: “Shocked to hear the passing of such a lovely man. Spent so many years with Deon touring with Wham. God Bless..RIP

@DeonEstus (sic)”

Deon started his career in the R&B band Brainstorm as a teenager, and they went on to have a hit with ‘Popcorn’.

He then turned down the chance to appear on Marvin Gaye’s 1982 album ‘Midnight Love’.

After touring with Wham!, Deon released the solo album ‘Spell’ in 1989, with many of the tracks produced by George.

He continued playing for George until his death in December 2016 aged 53.

Reacting to the devastating news of George Michael’s passing, Deon said at the time: “I’m still in shock. It hasn’t quite hit me yet, but it helps to talk about it and to think about all those fantastic tours, all those records, all the people he’s helped and all the things he’s done, which is a lot. I was blessed to have known him.”

music-news.com

NEW: Noise11 on YouTube SUBSCRIBE

Noise11.com

Follow Noise11 on Social Media

Noise11 on Instagram

You’ll discover music news first following Noise11 on Twitter

Comment on the news of the day, join Noise11 on Facebook

Related Posts

Joe Camilleri Apia Good Times 2021 photo by Noise11
Joe Camilleri’s Vintage Guitar Collection Stolen

Joe Camilleri’s home in regional Victoria has been broken into and the thief has taken nine of his prized guitars.

2 days ago
Dog Trumpet Live Forever
Reg Mombassa and Peter O’Doherty Go Track By Track Through Dog Trumpet’s ‘Live Forever’

On 11 July 2025 Dog Trumpet will release their ninth album ‘Live Forever’.

3 days ago
Colin Hay performs at the Recital Centre in Melbourne on 11 February 2018. Photo by Ros O'Gorman
Colin Hay To Release Man @ Work Volume 2

Men at Work’s Colin Hay has made a sequel to his 2003 solo album ‘Man @ Work’ where he re-recorded his Men At Work and solo songs.

3 days ago
John Paul Young One Foot In Front
John Paul Young’s Long Out of Print ‘One Foot In Front’ To Be Reissued

‘One Foot In Front’, John Paul Young’s long unavailable 1983 album, is getting a re-release through Andrew McNeice’s MelodicRock Classics.

4 days ago
Crowded House perform at Rod Laver Arena 10 December 2024 photo by Winston Robinson
More Crowded House Red Hot Summer Shows Sellout

The Crowded House Red Hot Summer shows are doing fast work around Australia will four shows on the tour now sold out.

5 days ago
Jesus and Mary Chain Psychocandy
Jack White’s Third Man To Release 40th Anniversary Jesus and Mary Chain ‘Psychocandy’

A 40th anniversary edition of Jesus and Mary Chain ‘Psychocandy’ will be released through Jack White’s Third Man Records.

5 days ago
Boom Crash Opera
Boom Crash Opera Reveals Dates for Hands Up In the Air – The Singles Tour

Boom Crash Opera will spend October to Christmas touring Australia on the Hands Up In the Air – The Singles Tour.

5 days ago