2016-03-08
Ms PENNICUIK (Southern Metropolitan) — Legendary guitarist Ross Hannaford died yesterday. Ross was best known as the lead guitarist of Daddy Cool, which he formed with Ross Wilson, Wayne Duncan and Gary Young. The single Eagle Rock, from the seminal album with the pink cover, Daddy Who? Daddy Cool, which was released 45 years ago, became and remains a huge hit.
After Daddy Cool split, Ross formed other bands and collaborated with many other Australian musicians on their projects. He also enjoyed busking around the traps. He had lately been playing with Steve Hoy and various other musicians in the local ensemble Holy Mackerel. Late last year, while very ill with cancer, he released his album Hanna, which was launched at the fabulous Caravan Music Club in Oakleigh.
I got to know and love the genius of Ross Hannaford's guitar playing while going to see his band Diana Kiss on Monday nights for years at the Espy in St Kilda. Diana Kiss played all genres of music and included many covers, all of which bore the unique stamp of the band and Ross in particular. Memorable songs include covers of Bread's Everything I Own and Bob Dylan's Everything is Broken.
Ross's guitar playing was amazing, and he had a very laid back, gentle style. He had the ability to transport you away with his playing, which I experienced many times. He was also famous for his distinctive, deep baritone voice, which is featured on songs such as Come Back Again. It was always a joy to hear him singing. Ross was a musical genius and a national treasure. He influenced so many musicians and will be sadly missed. My condolences to his family and his many friends and musical collaborators. Vale, Ross.