Iconic Australian musician Ian ‘Ollie’ Olsen has died aged 66, following a long battle with the neurological disease Multiple System Atrophy.
The Melbourne-born performer had been active in Australia’s vibrant music scene for five decades and was once in a band with INXS star Michael Hutchence called Max Q.
His family confirmed the news of his passing in a heartbreaking Facebook post, writing: ‘It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Ollie Olsen.
‘Ollie fought long and hard like the Viking he was against Multiple System Atrophy since 2019 when he first began to have symptoms.’
They added that Ollie died peacefully in his sleep on Tuesday surrounded by his family in Melbourne.
‘He passed peacefully in his sleep under the care of The Royal Melbourne Hospital with his wife at his side. We ask for privacy during this difficult time,’ they wrote in a statement.
His death comes just one week after he was inducted into the Music Victoria Hall of Fame in recognition of his contribution to the industry.
The pair later formed electronic and rock band Max Q.
Max Q released their only self-titled album in 1989, which was well-received for its experimental sound.
It blended Hutchence’s distinctive vocals with Olsen’s moody production.
Olsen was also known for his involvement in the Australian punk and electronic scenes, and performed in several other cult Aussie bands including Whirlywind.
He later became a film and TV composer and wrote the score for several cult Australian TV shows and movies, including Head On, starring Alex Dimitriades, Raw FM and The Loved Ones.
Olsen’s work composing Head On was nominated for the Best Original Music Score at the Australian Film Institute Awards in 1998.
He is survived by his wife Jayne.
