Australia mourns loss of Blue Heelers star and music legend Bobby Bright after his passing at age 80
It marks the end of a remarkable journey that spanned music, television, and live performance.
Bright was born Robert Harry Bright on February 3, 1945, in Watford, England and migrated with his mother to Adelaide around 1954, starting an early career as a solo singer throughout the 1960s.
In 1964, destiny brought him together with Laurie Allen in Melbourne, and together they formed one of Australia's most memorable pop duos.
Their fame rise began with the smash hit 'I Belong with You', which reached No. 1 on the Melbourne charts and later cracked the national top 10.
Their follow-up cover 'Hitch Hiker' also claimed the No. 1 spot, solidifying their place in the Australian music history.
While the dynamic duo officially parted in 1967, they reunited briefly and continued to perform occasionally until their final concert back in 2002, shortly before Laurie Allen's death.
Meanwhile, Bright's career extended beyond music.
He appeared on Australian TV most notably in Homicide and served as a DJ at Melbourne's 3XY radio station.
In the early 1990s, he also took a vital role as Eddie Nelson in an episode of Blue Heelers.
His film credits include a cameo in Queen of the Damned (2002), showcasing his versatility as an actor.
In later years, Bright remained active in Melbourne's live entertainment scene and released an autobiography titled Child of Rock and Roll.
Bobby Bright's passing marks the end of an era for Australian entertainment after spending five decades in both music and film.
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Out the back of a local coffee spot on Sunday, July 27, the Waratah community wanted him to know he was not alone. "It's amazing, it's just an incredible show of support, you can see how many people love and support Matthew," Hugh-Angus Bright, Matthew's brother, said. Dan Brown, better known as the Mullet Lord online, held a fundraiser for Mr Bright's recovery at Lords Coffee and Associates in Waratah. Beginning at midday, Mr Brown said there was a "crazy" line out the front of the shop, and by 1.30pm he reckoned roughly 150 people had stopped by. "It's been quite a turnout, even the firies rocked up, which was really cool to see," he said. Like any fundraiser, people lined up to buy raffle tickets, but there weren't your typical prizes. Along with headgear and boots signed by the Knights' Kalyn Ponga, and a painting from Otis Carey, Mr Brown was parting with pieces of himself. Known for his long mane, the Mullet Lord snipped off strands to go to four lucky bidders. "They say haircuts don't hurt, but that one did," he said. "It stung every part of my body, but I've always been a team player and anything to raise money for Matt." Mr Bright's sister Ellie Bright said he was "gobsmacked" at the amount of community support pouring in through their GoFundMe page. "It's a terrible situation, but it has brought the best out in everyone around us," she said. "It makes me sad that there are so many people who might not have the network or the ability to do this type of thing." Mr Bright was receiving care at Sydney's Royal North Shore Hospital, where his condition, while serious, had stabilised. His brother, Nicholas, said they were taking it one day at a time. "We're just staying in the moment, and every day he is getting better," he said. The siblings said yesterday was a good day as Matthew had his favourite beverage, a diet coke, and listened to Triple J's Hottest 100 of Australian Songs. Ms Bright said her brother's recovery was heading in the right direction. "I kept saying he's having small wins every day and that will compound to big wins over time," she said. "That's all we can ask for."
