The Go-Betweens’ Grant McLennan R.I.P.

A shocking loss came with the death of Grant McLennan on May 6, 2006. Only hours away from proposing to his girlfriend, the co-leader of the Go-Betweens died in his sleep after suffering a heart attack in Brisbane, autopsy results revealed. Along with Robert Forster, McLennan founded the Go-Betweens with in 1977, forging a jangly, melodic sound out of their pop, punk, folk and rock influences. The indie band came up in the ranks with acts such as Orange Juice, R.E.M. and the Smiths, releasing numerous singles and albums on such celebrated labels as Postcard, Rough Trade and Beggars Banquet. Breaking up in 1989 after success continued to elude them, McLennan went on to release four solo albums, as well as team up with the Church’s Steve Kilbey as the short-lived Jack Frost. McLennan and Forster reunited a decade later to cut three albums, including last year’s Oceans Apart, their best-selling release to date and winner of an Australian Grammy. McLennan was 48.