TRAGEDY ROCKS AUSTRALIAN MUSIC SCENE: Beloved 90s Funk Rocker Michael Sutherland Dies Suddenly Aged 43 – Tributes Pour in for Skunkhour Founding Drummer
- Michael Sutherland, founding drummer of iconic Australian funk rock band Skunkhour, has died suddenly at the age of 43.
- The band took to social media to pay tribute to their “brother” and “highly creative drummer” who will be deeply missed.
- Fans have flooded social media with heartfelt condolences, sharing fond memories of the band’s electrifying live performances.
**Shocking news** has sent shockwaves through the Australian music scene with the sudden passing of Michael Sutherland, the founding drummer of beloved 90s funk rock band Skunkhour. The band, who rose to fame in the 1990s with their unique blend of urban funk, rock, and rap, took to social media to pay tribute to their “brother” and “highly creative drummer”.
According to the band’s statement, Michael Sutherland passed away suddenly two days ago, leaving behind his three beautiful children, Eleanor, Hamish, and Archie. The band remembered him as a “wicked sense of humour” and a “very sharp intellect” who will be deeply missed.
Skunkhour, who formed in Sydney in 1991, released four studio albums and were known for their electrifying live performances. Fans have flooded social media with heartfelt condolences, sharing fond memories of the band’s live shows. One fan wrote, “The push and pull of the Sutherland brothers is a defining part of the Skunkhour sound. Such a groove. Thanks Mike. You showed me a lot. Rest in flow, brother. Easy now x.”
Another fan added, “Totally rocked by this very sad news, a truly wonderful person, thoughts with everybody, RIP Mike.” The Instagram page for Cargo ago go also paid tribute to Michael Sutherland, remembering him as a “highly creative drummer” who always electrified the room with Skunkhour’s urban funk, rock, and rap shows.
Michael Sutherland’s legacy will live on through Skunkhour’s music and the countless lives he touched through his performances. As the Australian music scene mourns the loss of this talented musician, fans will continue to celebrate his life and music.
In a career spanning over three decades, Michael Sutherland left an indelible mark on the Australian music scene. From his early days playing in the late 80s post-punk scene of Sydney to his time studying Law at Sydney Uni, Michael’s passion for music was evident in everything he did.
Skunkhour’s music may have been a defining part of the 90s, but Michael Sutherland’s impact on the Australian music scene will be felt for generations to come.