Australian artist Alex the Astronaut will be dedicating her triple j One Night Stand performance to Luke Liang, who died this week after losing his battle with depression.
Liang, a former Papa vs Pretty member, was a deeply loved and respected artist in the Aussie music industry. His multi-talents included the keyboard, guitar, bass, and vocals which he put to use during his time with the band from 2012 to 2014. Afterwards, Liang took his talents to session work – a new chapter which had him performing alongside fellow greats Guy Sebastian, Kim Churchill, Jarryd James, Japanese Wallpaper, Nicole Millar, and many more.
Alex announced on her Facebook today that Liang “was meant to play with us for this show. We’re about to get on the plane to Tasmania and it’s very strange. All of us have been swapping stories about Luke, our shock and confusion.
“I’ve decided the right thing to do will be to play solo and I’ll have a friend up to help for a few songs. We’re going to play a tribute to Luke.
“Luke’s presence will be missed deeply, and I know many people are still making sense of what’s happened.”
Her written tribute remembered Liang as “a clever, funny, quirky man who was always so bright around his friends. He played keys, bass, and guitar with so many Australian musicians, and I was lucky to be one of them.”
“He was a virtuoso, his ability to play anything he heard like he’d written it himself only a few minutes after hearing it was amazing. His smiley personality was contagious. I can’t imagine the weight of the loss his family would feel at this time.
“My thoughts go out to Luke’s family, to Tom, Gus, Jen, Alex, and Luke’s close ones.”
If you are contemplating suicide or having suicidal thoughts, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14, or the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467. If you are in immediate danger, call 000.
