Andrew Picouleau, best known for his work with Dave Graney and the Coral Snakes, The Metronomes, and Sacred Cowboys, has died following a long illness.
His passing was confirmed by his bandmates on Wednesday, though no details about his age or the specific cause of death have been released.
The news of his passing was first shared in a touching statement posted to The Metronomes’ official Facebook page by band member Alister Webb.
In the statement, Webb wrote, ‘It is with deep sadness and profound heartbreak that we find ourselves posting the news that Andrew Picouleau, gifted bass player, musical creative and wonderful singer, passed away this week after a long illness.’
Reflecting on their decades-long creative partnership, Webb continued, ‘Ash Wednesday and I have been making music with Andrew on and off for over 40 years. Every time we reassembled after our regular sabbaticals (20 years at one stage), the conversations instantly flowed, the ideas likewise.
‘Whatever the musical result—and we had our moments!—the joy of creating something together with Ash and Andrew never diminished over that time.
‘It’s hard to believe that we won’t be getting together again to pull something new out of the air again… it seemed like it would go on forever.’
Webb’s emotional tribute highlighted not just Andrew’s musical talents, but also the deep friendship they shared.
Andrew Picouleau, best known for his work with Dave Graney and the Coral Snakes, The Metronomes, and Sacred Cowboys, has died following a long illness
His passing was confirmed by his bandmates on Wednesday, though no details about his age or the specific cause of death have been released. (Pictured right)
‘Andrew was (it pains me to talk about him in the past tense) one of the smartest, most amiable and intelligent individuals I’ve come across in my life. I always looked forward to the video hookups the three of us had. Three separate souls, but when we were in the same space, we just… well, blended,’ he wrote.
In his message, Webb also extended his deepest sympathies to Picouleau’s family: ‘I know Ash is feeling this as painfully as I am.
‘I feel deeply for Andrew’s family—Margaret, Robert and Claire—who will be struggling with this more than anyone. All I can say is that I feel lucky to have had Andrew in my life.’
Andrew, pictured right, alongside Garry Gray And Sacred Cowboys band members Mark Ferrie, Janis Friedenfelds, Garry Gray and Terry Doolan (L-R)
To further honour his late bandmate, Webb uploaded a six-minute tribute video to YouTube, celebrating Andrew’s 44 years of music-making alongside him and Ash Wednesday.
‘He was one of life’s wonderful people, sharp and articulate, and a highly skilful and intelligent bass player who gave The Metronomes an unusually solid foundation for an electronic/synth group,’ he captioned the post.
‘He was also a brilliant vocalist. This is our tribute to Andrew, memories of the 44 years Ash Wednesday and I played music together with Andrew in The Metronomes.’
Fans and fellow musicians have begun sharing their own tributes online, remembering Picouleau for his contributions to Australia’s music history.
One fan commented, ‘He was the backbone of the band, always so captivating on stage. The Metronomes would never have been the same without him.’
Picouleau made his mark in the Australian music scene as the bassist for Dave Graney and the Coral Snakes, most notably contributing to the band’s 1993 album Night of the Wolverine.
While not a mainstream commercial success, the album is often regarded as a significant work in Australia’s alternative rock scene.
In addition to his work with The Coral Snakes, Picouleau was also a key member of The Metronomes, an influential electronic and synth group that emerged in the 1980s.
His contribution helped shape their distinct sound, which earned the band a loyal following during the height of Australia’s underground music scene.
He also played with Sacred Cowboys, a post-punk band that left a lasting impression on the country’s rock landscape.
