Powderfinger frontman Bernard Fanning pays tribute to beloved 'old friend and mentor' who suddenly died

Daily Mail​

26-07-2025

Bernard Fanning has shared a sweet tribute to his 'old friend and mentor' who suddenly died.
The Powderfinger frontman, 55, took to social media to remember Brisbane musician Andy McDonell, who passed away this week.
He shared a photo of Andy to social media, alongside a heartfelt remembrance of 'one of the most talented people' he's ever known.
'I want to pay tribute to an old friend, mentor and all-round maniac Andy McDonell who passed away a few days ago,' Bernard began. 'One of the funniest, kindest and most extraordinarily talented people I have ever known.
'He was equal parts singer, songwriter, guitarist, thespian, comedian, poet, clown, and raconteur of the highest quality who was comfortable on stages of any size.'
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Continuing, Bernard went on to chart Andy's musical and artistic exploits, as well as his live collaborations with Powderfinger.
'He was first introduced to Powderfinger fans at the 1993 launch of our Transfusion EP where he and his friends from Omniscient Gallery performed an operation onstage that sprayed the audience with fake blood,' Bernard remembered.
'I think the resultant letter of complaint from an audience member's mother was the first of many we received. Thanks Macca.
'He was also a key part of our first ever acoustic show at Van Gogh's Earlobe in 1995 with partner-in-crime Ali St Ledger.'
Bernard's tribute continued, with the My Happiness hitmaker admitting just how influential Andy had been in his own formative musical years.
'In the early days we played shows with him as a member of Damp Pants, Brasilia, Andy McDonell and the Contraption where he was the first performer I ever saw that gave himself over COMPLETELY to what he was doing,' he wrote.
'His warmth and good humour, not to mention his encyclopaedic songbook were an absolute inspiration.
'He's the only person I know who was equally comfortable with Tom Waits, Jacques Brel, ABBA and Led Zeppelin.'
Rounding out the tribute, Bernard bade a fond farewell to his mate with: 'Most of all though, he was an absolute lord of the art of conversation and I will dearly miss chinwagging with him. Rest in Peace Macca. Love BF x'
The post was met with an outpouring of condolences from friends and followers, with legendary Aussie punk rockers Frenzal Rhomb offering a simple: 'xoxoxox'.
Bernard's Powderfinger bandmate Darren Middleton also responded with his own tribute to Andy.
'Beautifully written mate,' Darren wrote. 'He was always the "bar" to reach when we were finding our feet in music.
'A hugely talented singer/songwriter that I used to love watching on a Thursday night at The RE in Toowong and always nothing but friendly, funny and engaging in conversation. Xo'
Andy's aforementioned 'partner in crime' Ali St Ledger was quick to thank Bernard for his tribute.
'Beautifully eloquent and spot on Bernard. Thank you,' she commented.
Another follower jumped in, summing up the sentiment of many with: 'Beautifully said. Andy Mac was one of a kind, a true artist and a great human.'
It comes as Powderfinger look likely to feature quite prominently in the Triple J Hottest 100 Australian Songs poll, which kicked off on Saturday.
The indie-rock legends, who have snagged a formidable 18 ARIAs, certainly have no shortage of iconic tunes to pick from for the anticipated poll.
But it is their 2000 single My Happiness which has the best chance of success, with online bookmaker Betr giving the multi-platinum tune the best odds to nab the top spot at 2.50.
Meanwhile, TAB had the track These Days as an outside chance at 17.00.