AUSTRALIAN music has lost a star in James Freud, who died yesterday aged 51.
Freud, a member of chart-topping band Models, took his own life after succumbing to personal demons.
The singer is survived by wife Sally and sons Harrison and Jackson.
The musician had documented his long battle with alcohol in two successful books, 2002's I Am the Voice Left From Drinking and the 2007 sequel I Am the Voice Left From Rehab.
Freud was not present when Models were inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame in Sydney last week, saying he had other commitments.
Bandmate Sean Kelly said Freud had fallen off his bike again'', a reference to Freud's drinking relapse.
Music industry friends struggled to deal with the shock news.
This is so tragic, I cannot fathom it at all,'' Kate Ceberano said.
She sang backing vocals with Models in the early 1980s.
Molly Meldrum, who had Models and Freud on Countdown countless times, praised Freud's talent.
He was one of the greats and Models were one of the great groups Australia's produced,'' Meldrum said.
James was the epitome of a rock star, in Models and also solo. I really feel for his family and the other members of Models.''
As much as he wrote some naughty things about me in his book that was James and I loved him.''
Michael Gudinski, who signed Freud to his record label Mushroom in the late '70s, was devastated.
James was a true pioneer - he successfully crossed over from Australia's burgeoning punk scene in the early '80s, to then create some of the most played tracks in Australia's recording history,'' Gudinski said.
He will be greatly missed by his family and friends, the industry, and music fans everywhere.''
INXS' Kirk Pengilly hailed Freud's career.
He was a big pop star in his own right and then got a second breath of success with Models which is a true mark of his talent,'' Pengilly said.
For someone to have a big solo career, join an established band and bring that band to a much higher level shows just how good he was.
And he was just a beautiful guy. We will miss him very much.''
While Freud played with Kelly at Countdown Spectacular in 2006 and in a Models line-up in 2008 featuring his youngest son Jackson on guitar, Models had been recently touring using the line-up before Freud joined in 1982.
Freud and Kelly formed the band Teenage Radio Stars in 1977, with Freud having solo success after their split, including the 1980 solo hit Modern Girl.
Models hits included the 1985 No.1 Out of Mind, Out of Sight with Freud on lead vocals, as well as I Hear Motion, Big on Love and Evolution.
The bouncy music of 1985 No.2 hit Barbados betrayed dark lyrics which gave Freud the title of his book I Am the Voice Left From Drinking.
The song's music video starts and ends with Freud holding a gun to his head.
ARIA Hall of Fame producer Mark Pope shut down a rumour that Freud had been told he could not play bass with the Models when they were inducted last week.
Both Models and ARIA wanted James to be at the ARIA Hall of Fame,'' Pope said.ARIA extended the invitation for induction to all members of Models to both attend and perform. There were no restrictions whatsoever placed on either the induction or performance by ARIA or Models.
ARIA is profoundly saddened by the news and extends its deepest condolences to James' family, bandmates and friends.''
Last Wednesday Freud marked the event on his Facebook page writing Tonight Models will be inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame ... I won't be there as I have other commitments. To everyone that supported us along the way (you know who you are) I send you my warmest thanks.''
On October 22 Freud posted life is fabulous.''
Organisers were expected to pay tribute to Freud at this Sunday's ARIA awards.
Freud's extensive career since Models included playing bass for Kylie Minogue in 1991, working for the Queensland Government to help musicians get into the industry and even releasing a football single, One Tony Lockett. Freud had moved into band management, spending the last decade between Melbourne and Los Angeles.
He was managing young Melbourne band Attack of the Mannequins, featuring his sons Jackson and Harrison.
They are due to play at Revolver on November 12.
The Herald Sun spoke to Freud in September 2008 - at the time the singer had been sober for four years and was promoting a solo album, See You in Hell, and his second book.
I really did turn my whole life around,'' Freud said. The reason I wrote the book was to help people. When I was in the middle of that I didn't know where to turn. I'm not saying a book is going to save someone, but I get messages on my MySpace page saying `the book changed my life'. I like to give back.''
ANYONE with personal problems can call Lifeline on 131 114; Victorian Statewide Suicide Helpline on 1300 651 251; or Mensline Australia on 1300 789 978.
