Steve Prestwich, British-born Australian drummer (Cold Chisel, Little River Band) and songwriter, died from a brain tumour he was , 56.

 Steven Prestwich was an English-born Australian drummer, guitarist, singer and songwriter died from a brain tumor he was , 56.. After relocating from Liverpool, Prestwich was the founding and long-term drummer for pub rockers Cold Chisel which formed in Adelaide, South Australia in 1973. He wrote the Cold Chisel's songs, "When the War Is Over" and "Forever Now", from the 1982 album Circus Animals. Prestwich also had a short spell with the Little River Band. Prestwich released two solo albums. Prestwich died on 16 January 2011 from a brain tumour two months before his 57th birthday.^[1]

(5 March 1954 – 16 January 2011)

Biography

Steven William Prestwich was born in Liverpool, England in 1954. He was a member of the folk/rock band, Sandy, in 1970 in the United Kingdom.^[2] His family relocated to Adelaide, South Australia in 1971 when he was aged 17. He was a member of Elizabeth band Ice with bassist Michael Smith and guitarist John Pryer from 1971 to 1973. In 1973, he was the founding drummer for heavy metal group Orange with the line-up of Jimmy Barnes, Ian Moss, Don Walker and Leszek Kaczmarek.^[3] Orange evolved into pub rockers, Cold Chisel in 1974 and Prestwich remained a member until early 1983. During his time in Cold Chisel, Prestwich wrote "When the War Is Over" and "Forever Now".^[4] Both songs appeared on their 1982 album, Circus Animals.^[5] He co-wrote with Walker the song Flame Trees from the 1984 album Twentieth Century. He briefly rejoined Cold Chisel for their Last Stand Tour from October until the group's final show on 12 December 1983.^[5] Prestwich joined the Australian group, Little River Band (1984–1986) toured the United States and released two albums with them. Little River Band recorded "When the War is Over" with John Farnham on vocals.^[3] Prestwich rejoined Cold Chisel in later reformations.^[2]

Prestwich released his first solo album, Since You've Been Gone in August 2000, which he also produced. His second album, Every Highway was released in October 2009.
Prestwich was the father of a daughter, Melody, and a son, Vaughan.^[6]
On the 16th of January, Prestwich died after never regaining consciousness following brain surgery.
Cold Chisel released this update on their website:
"Cold Chisel's drummer, Steve Prestwich, passed away Sunday afternoon. He was diagnosed with a brain tumour less than two weeks ago, underwent an operation last Friday, and never regained consciousness.
Jimmy Barnes, Ian Moss, Phil Small and Don Walker are shattered by the loss. All our thoughts are with Steve's loved ones at this difficult time."
On 14 March 2011, Barnes planted a flame tree in Prestwich's memory at the National Arboretum Canberra.^[7]

Discography

Main articles: Cold Chisel#Discography and Little River Band discography

Albums

• Since You've Been Gone (August 2000)
• Every Highway (October 2009)

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