Paul Greene And The Other Colours - Paul Greene And The Other Colours Mourn Death Of Bandmate

Percussionist Matt Sykes died near Jervis Bay on the New South Wales coast on 24 January (13), but further details have yet to be released.

The tragedy occurred days before the band was due to head out on a tour Down Under, and singer Paul Greene has vowed to press on with the live shows, insisting, "I am absolutely sure that's what Matt would have wanted."

A statement issued by Greene reads: "Matt, what an amazing bloke you were. Talented on the piano and kora, and one of the best drummers I know; you lived for what you loved and never let money dictate your life; you knew how to love and put all your love into whatever you did. Our thoughts are with Beth (Sykes' partner), and your family. So glad I got to know you, mate."

Greene and his surviving bandmate Neil Beaver are currently searching for a temporary replacement to join them on the road from 7 February (13), and will turn the gigs into a celebration of Sykes' life and work.