Zac Denton, a member of Melbourne band The Ocean Party and a number of other musical projects like Ciggie Witch, has died at the age of 24.
In a statement, The Ocean Party said:
“It is with great sadness and a very heavy heart that we must announce the passing of our beautiful friend and brother Zachary Levi Denton. Zac was admitted to St. Vincent’s hospital on Sunday evening with a migraine which after brain scans was realised to be related to a cyst blocking the fluids from draining from his brain. The doctors did what they could to relieve the fluid but swelling of the brain was too much.”
In light of Denton’s passing, The Ocean Party have decided to release their new album The Oddfellows’ Hall a week early, and have shared it as a free download.
The band — which also features Zac’s brother Lachlan Denton — said the album “features two of Zac’s most beautiful songs to date in ‘Home’ and ‘Rain On Tin’.
“They reflect on his love for his family and his home town and a desire to let them know the love felt towards them,” they said.
Zac Denton joined The Ocean Party as drummer in 2012, and also wrote songs and contributed guitar and vocals to some of the band’s material. He also performed with the likes of Ciggie Witch, Pregnancy and Hobby Farm.
“Although just 24 years old, he released more than 10 albums and has much more material that will see the light of day in the coming year,” The Ocean Party said.
“We love you Zac and you will forever be with us!”
Read The Ocean Party’s full statement below, and stream/download The Oddfellows’ Hall via the group’s Bandcamp page. A physical release is also available via Spunk Records.
To access the Support Act Wellbeing Helpline, call 1800 959 500. Enquiries can also be made at www.supportact.org.au.
