Music Legends Jimmy Barnes & ICEHOUSE Lead Heartfelt Tributes to Cold Chisel Saxophonist Andy Bickers

Andy Bickers, the esteemed New Zealand-born saxophonist, whose distinctive playing significantly shaped Cold Chisel’s live performances for over three decades, has passed away at the age of 56 following a battle with cancer. Cold Chisel officially announced his death on Friday morning through a statement on social media, expressing profound sorrow for their “much-loved sax player of more than 30 years.” The band eulogized Bickers as a “brother,” an “incredible musician,” and a cherished companion on and off the road. His invaluable contributions to iconic songs such as ‘Rising Sun’, ‘Saturday Night’, and ‘My Baby’ will be deeply missed by the band and their fans. Cold Chisel also extended their heartfelt condolences to his wife, Lisa, and son, Rudy.

Jimmy Barnes, Cold Chisel’s frontman, who had also toured extensively with Bickers in his solo band, offered a separate tribute. Barnes highlighted Bickers’ talent across soul and rock genres and spoke of their friendship, cherishing him not only as a great player but also as a funny, intelligent, and, most importantly, a good man. Barnes reiterated his love and support for Lisa and Rudy, expressing how sadly Andy would be missed.

Iva Davies of ICEHOUSE also expressed his profound sadness, noting that he had performed with Bickers only a few weeks prior to his passing. Davies remembered Bickers as a consummate musician, evidenced by the vast array of artists he collaborated with, performed alongside, mentored, and inspired. The ICEHOUSE team and the wider Australian music community will truly miss him, with their thoughts extended to his family.

Born in Wellington, New Zealand, Bickers honed his craft in the local rock scene throughout the 1980s before making the pivotal move to Australia, first settling in Melbourne and later in Sydney. There, his exceptional tenor and baritone saxophone skills quickly cemented his reputation as one of the country’s most reliable and sought-after session and touring musicians. His career took a significant leap forward through his work with Jimmy Barnes’ touring band, eventually leading him to become a consistent fixture in Cold Chisel’s live lineup by the early 2000s.

Bickers’ impressive résumé extended far beyond Cold Chisel. He toured with legendary acts such as Midnight Oil, Silverchair, the Eagles, Don Henley, and Diesel. He also recorded or performed with a diverse range of artists including You Am I, The Presets, Hoodoo Gurus, Tony Hadley, and Vika and Linda. Midnight Oil acknowledged his passing on social media, notably mentioning that one of his final performances was leading the brass section during a tribute to Rob Hirst at the 2026 APRA Awards. Richard Clapton also shared his grief, recalling Bickers’ presence at virtually every one of his 16 performances at The State Theatre, particularly highlighting his special role in ‘Wintertime in Amsterdam’, a song that “is not going to be quite the same this year.”

Cold Chisel, formed in Adelaide in 1973, remains one of the most commercially significant bands in Australian history, boasting multiple No. 1 albums on the ARIA Albums Chart. Andy Bickers’ saxophone was integral to the live renditions of many of the band’s most enduring songs. His extensive work across thousands of concerts and recording sessions made him one of the most quietly ubiquitous and influential figures in Australian rock music, leaving an indelible mark on the nation’s musical landscape.