Beloved New Zealand experimental musician Dean Roberts died on Wednesday at age 49.
No cause of death has been announced, although it was reported his death was ‘unexpected’ and he was not known to be sick.
Born in Auckland in 1975, Roberts developed a reputation as one of New Zealand’s hardest working performers, and was involved in a variety of bands and solo projects throughout his celebrated 30-plus year career.
Roberts dabbled in a range of genres, including electro, acoustic and improvisation.
He began his music career in 1992 as a member of the popular rock band Thela, and performed with them until 1996.
The talented performer then formed a solo project called White Winged Moth, in which he played trippy electroacoustic compositions on piano and guitar.
The veteran musician played in both NZ and internationally throughout his career, including stadiums in America and Italy.
His unique style caught the attention of a host of world-famous musicians, including Sonic Youth singer Thurston Moore, who collaborated with Dean in 1999.
Beloved New Zealand experimental musician Dean Roberts (pictured) died on Wednesday at age 49
Roberts’ former record Label Kranky broke the tragic news on social media by sharing one of his album covers, accompanied by some sad words: ‘Rest in Peace’.
Heartbroken fans quickly took to X to pay tribute to the beloved performer.
‘I am going to deeply miss you. Your way of transposing the world into song. Your way of finding the hidden voices in the instrument you played,’ one fan wrote.
The talented musician was born in Auckland in 1975 and throughout his 30 plus year career dabbled in a range of genres, including electro, acoustic and improvisation
No cause of death has been announced, although it was reported his death was ‘unexpected’ and he was not known to be sick
‘Rip Dean. One of my absolute favorite musicians and total hero/inspiration to me,’ a second person added.
‘His work left a lasting mark on me. Lonely and atmospheric and enveloping all at once,’ a third person chipped in.
Roberts is survived by his sister.
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