Beloved Australian jazz musician Bob Bertles, who was the husband of Home and Away star Nancye Hayes, died on Monday aged 85.
No cause of death was given and it is believed he was in poor health for several years.
The veteran musician was born in Melbourne in 1939 and performed as a saxophonist and bandleader across Australia for almost seven decades.
A family friend confirmed the heartbreaking news of Bertles’ passing on social media.
‘Very saddened by the passing of alto and baritone saxophonist Bob Bertles, a major veteran figure in the Australian jazz scene.
‘A truly gentle spirit in every sense. Condolences to his wife, Nancye.’
Beloved Australian jazz musician Bob Bertles, who was the husband of Home and Away star Nancye Hayes, died on Monday aged 85. Both pictured
Devastated fans quickly went online to express their sadness over the heartbreaking news.
‘Rest peacefully Bob. Thanks for all that wonderful music. You live forever in our hearts and souls,’ one person wrote.
‘A gifted musician with a huge heart. thank you Bob. Condolences to your beautiful wife,’ a second user added.
The self-taught musician got his big break in 1958 when he recruited by veteran Australian rock star Johnny O’Keefe to perform with his band The Dee Jays across the country.
Bertles wowed audiences throughout Australia for the next five years with his incredible saxophone skills, as he performed alongside the country’s first rock star.
He then joined veteran Aussie r’n’b band Max Merritt & The Meteors and performed with them in both Australia and England throughout the late ’60s.
Throughout his celebrated career, Bertles shared the stage with a host of renowned performers, including Cliff Richard, Alan Price and Cilla Black.
Bertles met his future wife Nancye Hayes in the early ’80s while he was in the band for a stage production of the musical Chicago, and they fell in love and later got married.
The veteran musician was born in Melbourne in 1939 and performed as a saxophonist and bandleader across Australia for almost seven decades
Bertles met his future wife Nancye Hayes in the early ’80s while he was in the band for a stage production of the musical Chicago, and they fell in love and later got married
The pair supported each other throughout their careers and in 1998 he appeared on Nancye’s episode of Channel Nine’s This is your Life, and told host Mike Munro about how their relationship formed.
‘It was love at first sight. We moved in together and it only took 14 years for her to ask me to marry her,’ he joked.
Bertles was by his wife’s side throughout her celebrated career, in which she acted in many TV shows and movies, including Blue Heelers, House Husbands, Annie and Home and Away.
He released his first jazz solo album in 1995 called Rhythm of the Heart.
It was nominated for Best Jazz Album at the 1996 ARIA Awards.
The upbeat entertainer never fully retired and in his later years performed as part of the Australian jazz supergroup called Ten Part Invention.
Bertles is survived by his wife Nancye.
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