Saxophonist Andy Bickers, who played with legendary Australian rock band Cold Chisel for more than three decades, has died after a battle with cancer. The band announced Bix’s death on Friday and expressed its condolences. They describe the musician as an integral part of their journey and a treasured member of their extended family.Cold Chisel shared the news on social media, recognizing Bueckers for his significant contributions. “Andy Bickers, our beloved saxophonist of over 30 years, passed away this morning after a difficult battle with cancer,” the Instagram post read. The band continued with an emotional reflection on their relationship with the musician. “Andy is our brother: an incredible musician and a great guy to have on the road or around town. His valuable on-stage contributions to songs such as “Rising Sun”, “Saturday Night” and “My Baby” will be sorely missed. Our hearts break for his wife Lisa and son Rudy,” the band concluded.
pay tribute From other musicians and collaborators
Frontman Jimmy Barnes also paid a heartfelt tribute, recalling their decades of touring together and their strong friendship. “Andy also toured with me a lot, playing soul and rock shows. We became friends not only because he was a great player, but he was funny, smart, and most importantly, a good guy. Much love to Lisa and Rudy. Andy, you will be sadly missed,” Barnes wrote.Peter Garrett, the lead singer of Midnight Oil, another band with which Bix worked extensively, also said goodbye. “Andy Bewkes, Vale’s beloved saxophonist for the Petroleum Band and many other artists – passed away from us today after a long illness. Our thoughts are with his wife Lisa and son Rudy,” Garrett wrote, highlighting one of Bewkes’ final performances. The post concluded: “Andy’s final performance was at the 2026 APRA Awards, leading the brass section in the climax of a tribute to Rob Hurst, playing with his trademark power and passion.”
Saxophonist Andy Bickers became a key part of Cold Chisel’s live show, writing some of the band’s most iconic songs. Image source (Instagram)
Andy Bix’s Musical Journey and Career
according to Nine. comOriginally from Wellington, New Zealand, Bix became interested in Australian music after watching footage from an iconic tour while at university. The musician moved first to Melbourne and later to Sydney, where he worked extensively on the live music circuit. 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 remained a core member for over thirty years.In addition to his work with Cold Chisel, Bix has become a highly sought-after touring musician, performing with some of the biggest names in music. His collaborations include collaborations with Midnight Oil, Silverchair, The Eagles, Don Henley, Diesel, Powderfinger, You Am I, Pete Murray and Vika and Linda, demonstrating his versatility and respected status within the wider music industry.Bix is survived by his wife Lisa and son Rudy, to whom tributes have been paid by his musical colleagues.
