Incredibly sad news from Melbourne’s music community today, with word emerging that Zac Denton, the prolific songwriter and drummer of pop outfit The Ocean Party, has tragically passed away. He was just 24 years old.
Denton’s fellow band members confirmed his passing, which occurred due to complications stemming from a brain cyst which was discovered on Sunday evening after the young man was admitted to hospital suffering what was at first thought to be a severe migraine.
It is with great sadness and a very heavy heart that we must announce the passing of our beautiful friend and brother Zachary Levi Denton. Zac was admitted to St. Vincents hospital on Sunday evening with a migraine which after brain scans was realised to be related to a cyst blocking the fluids from draining from his brain. The doctors did what they could to relieve the fluid but swelling of the brain was too much.
Zac came to Melbourne from Wagga Wagga in 2012 as a fresh faced 18-year-old to join The Ocean Party. He was welcomed with open arms and was an integral member of the band in no time. HIs warmth and charm was quick to infect so many people. As a songwriter in The Ocean Party, as well as Ciggie Witch, Pregnancy, and Hobby Farm, Zac’s direct and honest lyricism affected those who could relate to his struggles with day-to-day life.
Denton’s output as a musician was prolific, releasing eight albums with The Ocean Party, including the 12-track, 12-minute album I.B.O. released in August of this year, and the planned album The Oddfellows’ Hall, which the band released ahead of schedule today, and for free, as a tribute to their fallen friend.
Outside of The Ocean Party, Denton was a core member of a raft of other outfits, including Pregnancy, Hobby Farm, and his main project Ciggie Witch, form whom he sang and played guitar.
The Ocean Party released a latest single, What It’s Worth, a mere handful of days ago, and had planned an extensive tour in support of their new album which was set to begin on November 16th in Beechworth.
https://twitter.com/TheOceanParty/status/1054604580250501120
RIP, Zac. Go well young man.
