Andy Bickers, the saxophonist who spent more than three decades playing with the legendary Australian rock band Cold Chisel, has died after a battle with cancer. The group announced Bickers’ death on Friday and added to their grievances; they explained that the musician was an important part of their journey and a dear family member.Cold Chisel shared the news on social media, paying tribute to Bickers’ actions. “Our favorite actor of over 30 years, Andy Bickers, passed away this morning after a battle with cancer,” read Instagram. The group went on to reflect on their relationship with the singer. “Andy was our brother: an amazing musician and a great person to be with on the road or out of town. His important contribution to shows like Rising Sun, Saturday Night and My Son will be sorely missed. Our hearts are breaking for his wife Lisa and son Rudy,” the group concluded.
Thank you from fellow musicians and collaborators
Frontman Jimmy Barnes also shared a heartfelt tribute reflecting on their years of touring together and the depth of their friendship. “Andy also toured many times with me, playing live and rock shows. We were friends not because he was a player, but because he was funny, smart, and most importantly, he was a good person. Much love to Lisa and Rudy. You will be sadly missed, Andy,” Barnes wrote.Peter Garrett, the lead singer of Midnight Oil, another band Bickers was closely associated with, also said goodbye. “Vale was a beloved sax player for Oil and many other artists – Andy Bickers – who left us today after a long illness. Our thoughts are with his wife Lisa and son Rudy,” wrote Garrett. He also highlighted one of Bickers’ last games. “One of Andy’s final performances was directing the bronze section of this tribute to Rob Hirst at the 2026 APRA Awards, where he played with his signature style and passion,” the post concluded.
Saxophonist Andy Bickers became an integral part of Cold Chisel’s repertoire, contributing to some of the band’s best-known songs. Photo credit (Instagram).
A musical journey is the work of Andy Bickers
According to nine. comoriginally from Wellington, New Zealand, Bickers fell in love with Australian music while at university after looking at footage of a famous tour. The singer moved first to Melbourne and then to Sydney, where he worked extensively in the music industry. His breakthrough came when he received an invitation to join a touring band, an opportunity that eventually led him to join Cold Chisel, where he was a core member for over three decades.Beyond his work with Cold Chisel, Bickers has established himself as an in-demand stage presence and vocalist performing alongside some of the biggest names in the music industry. His collaborations included work with Midnight Oil, Silverchair, The Eagles, Don Henley, Diesel, Powderfinger, I’m You, Pete Murray and Vika and Linda, showing his versatility and respect among many musicians.Bickers is survived by his wife Lisa and son Rudy, who paid tribute to his fellow musicians.