Andrew Piccolo, best known for his work with Dave Greaney and Coral Snakes, The Metronomes and Sacred Cowboys, has died after a long illness.
Although no details have been revealed regarding his age or the specific cause of his death, his bandmates confirmed his passing on Wednesday.
News of his death was first shared in a heartbreaking statement posted on The Metronomes' official Facebook page by band member Alistair Webb.
In the statement, Webb wrote: “It is with deep sadness and a deep sense of sadness that we announce that bassist, songwriter and incredible singer Andrew Picolio passed away this week after a long illness.”
Reflecting on their decades-long creative partnership, Webb continued: “Ash Wednesday and I have been making music together with Andrew for over 40 years. Whenever we met after our usual sabbatical (20 years at one point), conversations flowed immediately, as did ideas.
'Whatever the music turns out to be, we've had our moments! – The joy of creating something together with Ash and Andrew did not diminish at that moment.
“It's hard to believe we won't get together again to pull something new out of the air… it seemed to last forever.”
Webb's emotional tribute highlighted not only Andrew's musical talents, but also the deep friendship they shared.
Andrew Bigolew, best known for his work with Dave Greaney and Coral Snakes, The Metronomes and Sacred Cowboys, has died after a long illness.
Although no details have been revealed regarding his age or the specific cause of his death, his bandmates confirmed his passing on Wednesday. (right image)
'Andrew (it pains me to talk about him in the past tense) is one of the smartest, friendliest, most intelligent people I have ever met in my life. I always looked forward to the video connections the three of us would have. “Three separate souls, but when we were in the same place,… well, we mixed,” he wrote.
In his message, Webb also expressed his deepest condolences to Picolio's family: “I know Ash feels the same pain as I do.
I feel deeply for Andrew's family (Margaret, Robert and Claire), who will fight harder than anyone. I can only say that I am lucky to have Andrew in my life.
Andrew, pictured right, with Gary Gray and Sacred Cowboys band members Mark Ferry, Janice Friedenfelds, Gary Gray and Terry Doolan (left to right)
To further honor his late bandmate, Webb uploaded a six-minute tribute video to YouTube, celebrating Andrew's 44 years of music.
“He's one of life's wonderful men, sharp and articulate, and a very talented and brilliant bassist who gave The Metronomes an unusually solid foundation for an electronic/synth band,” he captioned the post.
'He is also a great singer. This is our tribute to Andrew, 44 years of Ash Wednesday memories and me playing music with Andrew in The Metronomes.
Fans and fellow musicians have begun sharing their own online tributes to Bigolo's contributions to Australian music history.
As one fan commented: “He was the backbone of the band and was always very charming on stage.” The metronomes wouldn't have been the same without him.
Piccolo made his mark on the Australian music scene as bassist for Dave Craney and Coral Snakes.
Although not a major commercial success, the album is often considered an important work in Australia's alternative rock scene.
In addition to his work with The Coral Snakes, Bigolav was also a key member of The Metronomes, an influential electronics and synth group that emerged in the 1980s.
His contribution helped shape their unique sound, earning the band a loyal following during the height of Australia's underground music scene.
He played with the Sacred Cowboys.
