Talented Australian musician Luke Liang died in August after a long battle with depression.
The 28-year-old had played with the likes of Guy Sebastian and left a lasting impression on his peers – so much so that they are set to pay tribute to the young musician in an upcoming benefit concert.
The Bright Light – An Evening for Luke line up includes Guy Sebastian, Alex The Astronaut, Jack River, Papa Vs Pretty and others who will share songs and stories in memory of their former musical collaborator.
‘It is a wake-up call about what is real and what is important’: Musicians and friends of late Guy Sebastian collaborator Luke Liang (far right) announced a benefit concert for mental health services on Wednesday
The gig will also raise money for charity Support Act, a service which helps artists and others in the music industry who are struggling with their mental health or who are in financial difficulty.
Alex The Astronaut’s Alexandra Lynn told News.com.au on Wednesday that her friend Luke’s death was a ‘devastating tragedy’ which had sent ‘sent shockwaves through the industry’.
‘It shouldn’t be a lesson… but if you were looking at it that way, it is a wake-up call about what is real and what is important,’ Lynn, 23, told the website.
Memorial gig: The 28-year-old (pictured) had played with the likes of Guy Sebastian and left a lasting impression on his peers – so much so that they are set to pay tribute to the young musician in an upcoming benefit concert
Tributes: The Bright Light – An Evening for Luke line up includes Guy Sebastian (pictured), Alex The Astronaut, Jack River, Papa Vs Pretty and others who will share songs and stories in memory of their former musical collaborator
Luke’s death was announced in August by Papa vs Pretty’s drummer Tom Myers, who shared an emotional tribute to his friend.
Luke joined the band in 2012, covering the keyboard, guitar, and vocals, and later went on to work with the likes of Guy Sebastian following the group’s split in 2014.
‘As some of you may or may not know, our dear friend Luke Liang lost his battle with depression two days ago,’ Tom wrote.
Alex The Astronaut’s Alexandra Lynn (pictured) told News.com.au on Wednesday that her friend Luke’s death was a ‘devastating tragedy’. ‘It shouldn’t be a lesson… but if you were looking at it that way, it is a wake-up call about what is real and what is important,’ Lynn said
‘We are all naturally devastated, but we’re much stronger if we’re together. It’s been so overwhelming to receive so many well wishes and messages of support. Thank you.’
‘Luke’s family is also naturally devastated and coming to terms with the loss. They have requested that sharing the news is done in a respectful manner so as to honour our memory of Luke.’
Tom went on to then share some happier memories with the respected musician.
‘We are all naturally devastated’: Papa vs Pretty star Luke Liang (pictured) had died at the age of 28
Papa vs Pretty’s former bassist Gus Gardiner also posted his own tribute.
He wrote: ‘Luke was simply brilliant in every way and the best of this world. We will never meet a more generous person.’
‘I have no words to express what I feel but my dear friend Tom Myers has beautifully written this below. Thank you for all of your messages of support.’
A Bright Light, featuring Alex the Astronaut, Guy Sebastian, Jarryd James, Montaigne, Papa vs. Pretty, Thelma Plum, Jack River and Friends, is held at the Metro Theatre in Sydney on Thursday with tickets available via Ticketek.
If you are contemplating suicide or having suicidal thoughts, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14, or the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467.