Mike Noga of The Drones Has Died Aged 43 - Noise11.com
Mike Noga of The Drones photo by Ros O'Gorman

Mike Noga of The Drones photo by Ros O'Gorman

Mike Noga of The Drones Has Died Aged 43

by Paul Cashmere on August 28, 2020

in News

Mike Noga, the former drummer for The Drones, has passed away at the age of 43.

Mike’s family issued the following statement:

“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.

“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.

Mike released three solo albums ‘Folk Songs’ (2006), ‘The Balladeer Hunter’ (2011) and ‘King’ (2016).

‘King’ was produced by Paul Dempsey of Something For Kate. Dempsey said,

“Mike Noga was one of the funniest people I have ever known. He was also a ridiculously great all-rounder musician and songwriter and as well as watching him blow my mind with The Drones, I had the great pleasure of working with him both in my solo band, as a touring buddy and as producer on his ‘KING’ album.
But whatever we were doing, mostly we were just laughing like idiots.
By the time we finished recording KING in my spare room we could virtually hold entire conversations in a ‘private joke’ language that no one else would understand.
I am going to miss those conversations.
Our love and thoughts go out to his family and friends. xo

He was also the drummer for the three Drones albums ‘Gala Mill’ (2006), ‘Havilah’ (2008) and ‘I See Seaweed’ (2013). ‘Havilah’ won the Best Independent Artist award at the AIR Awards of 2009. The Drones were nominated for seven ARIA Awards, three J Awards and won two Music Victoria Awards as well as the Australian Music Prize for ‘Wait Long by the River and the Bodies of Your Enemies Will Float By’.

Mike had recently signed with Part Time Records and was planning new music with Alan Parhawk of Low.

Related Posts

Jane's Addiction in Melbourne 2023 photo by Bron Robinson
Perry Farrell Files Lawsuit Against Jane’s Addiction Members

Perry Farrell has filed a lawsuit against Jane's Addiction members Dave Navarro, Eric Avery and Stephen Perkins.

2 days ago
Bush I Beat Loneliness (2025)
Gavin Rossdale Says New Bush Album ‘I Beat Loneliness’ Made Him “Basic”

Gavin Rossdale’s 10th Bush album ‘I Beat Loneliness’ is a brutal inner reflection which he says made him “basic”.

2 days ago
Pearl Jam crowd Melbourne 16 November 2024 photo by Winston Robinson
Matt Cameron Says What’s Next After Leaving Pearl Jam

Matt Cameron is "still an active musician", following his exit from Pearl Jam.

3 days ago
Rob Thomas (supplied TEG)
Rob Thomas Previews ‘All Day Nights’ Album With Two New Tracks

Rob Thomas has shared two new tracks ‘Hard To Be Happy’ and ‘Thrill Me’ from his upcoming ‘All Night Days’ albums.

4 days ago
Suicidal Tendencies supplied 2025
Suicidal Tendencies To Tour Australia, Now With Added Trujillo

Suicidal Tendencies will tour Australia again for their own shows in October November 2025 with a new member. Bass player Tye Trujillo is the son of Metallica bass player Robert Trujillo.

4 days ago
The Charlatans 2025 supplied
Charlatans 14th Album Is ‘We Are Love’

Esteemed indie legends The Charlatans today usher in a new era with the announcement of their 14th studio album, 'We Are Love,' set for release on October 31st via BMG. The news arrives alongside the album's vibrant title track and lead single, 'We Are Love,' which the band recently debuted live to an ecstatic hometown crowd at Castlefield Bowl.

5 days ago
Fatboy Slim at Northern Soul Fish Shop St Kilda 19 March 2025 photo Winston Robinson
Fatboy Slim To Speak At His Book Launch

Get ready for a rare glimpse into the mind of a musical legend! Norman Cook, better known as Fatboy Slim, is set to host an exclusive evening at the Theatre Royal in Brighton on Tuesday, October 14, celebrating the launch of his highly anticipated debut book, It Ain’t Over... ’Til the Fatboy Sings.

5 days ago