TEENAGE FANCLUB - TRIBUTES POUR IN FOR DEAD GO-BETWEENS STAR

Late Australian rocker GRANT MCLENNAN has been remembered by a host of musicians, fans and friends, who have hailed the GO-BETWEENS founder "a wonderful person and fantastic songwriter". The star's death on Saturday (06MAY06) has attracted a flood of messages on the band's website. TEENAGE FANCLUB frontman NORMAN BLAKE writes, "It's terrible news. I am absolutely shocked. He was a sweetheart, a lovely, lovely guy. Always bright and engaging. Absolutely the life and soul of the party." Meanwhile bandmate ROBERT FORSTER told the Australian News MCLennan's life had been cut short in its prime. He said, "The last six months was the happiest I had ever known him." He added, "He was very happy in his private life and had just written an amazing bunch of songs. He was especially pleased with how well the last album had done. That had put a real spring in his step." MCLennan, aged 48, reportedly died in his sleep. The singer had complained of feeling ill at his home in Brisbane, Australia. He will be remembered in a Parliamentary address on Tuesday (09MAY06) lauding his exceptional contribution to Australian arts. His funeral will be held in Queensland on Friday (12MAY06).