New Zealand music stars who deceased at age 45
Here are 2 famous musicians from New Zealand died at 45:
John Britten
John Britten (August 1, 1950 Christchurch-September 5, 1995) was a New Zealand personality.
He was a legendary motorcycle designer and manufacturer who founded the Britten Motorcycle Company. Britten was known for his innovative and unconventional designs, as well as his hands-on approach to building motorcycles. He began his career as a boatbuilder but soon turned his attention to motorcycles, building his first racing bike in the late 1970s. Britten went on to design and build a series of highly successful and unique motorcycles, many of which were raced with great success in international competitions. He was posthumously inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 2006.
Britten's most well-known motorcycle design was the Britten V1000, which was famously built entirely by hand and featured a number of innovative design elements, including a carbon fiber frame and fuel tank. The V1000 was incredibly successful on the racing circuit, winning numerous races and setting multiple world records. In addition to his work as a motorcycle designer and builder, Britten was also an accomplished musician and artist, and often incorporated his other creative pursuits into his motorcycle designs. Despite battling cancer for much of his career, Britten continued to innovate and push the boundaries of motorcycle design until his untimely death at the age of 45.
Britten's contributions to the world of motorcycle design have been widely recognized and celebrated. In addition to his induction into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame, he was also posthumously awarded the New Zealand Order of Merit in 1995, and the award for the Most Outstanding Contribution to Motorsport at the 1995 New Zealand Motorsport Awards. The Britten Motorcycle Company, which was established in 1992, continues to produce limited-edition motorcycles based on Britten's original designs, and his legacy as a designer, innovator, and artist has inspired countless others to pursue their own creative passions.
Britten's love for motorcycles began when he saw a Honda CB72 in a showroom in 1965. He acquired the bike four years later and started racing it. This sparked a passion for speed and an interest in motorcycle engineering. He built his first motorcycle in the late 1970s and went on to develop his expertise in motorcycle design and engineering by attending courses in mechanical engineering and undertaking various jobs related to the field.
In 1985, Britten embarked on a project to build a racing motorcycle that would challenge the status quo. He wanted to create a motorcycle that was incredibly lightweight, fast, and durable. The result of his efforts was the Britten V1000, which was first entered into competition in 1990. This stunning motorcycle won many races all over the world and set several records along the way.
Britten was also a pioneer in the use of composite materials in motorcycle engineering. He used carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) extensively in the V1000, making it a lightweight and incredibly strong motorcycle.
In addition to his contributions to the world of motorcycle engineering, Britten's legacy also includes his philanthropic efforts. He donated his time and money to various organizations promoting environmental conservation, healthcare, and education. He also left a significant endowment to the University of Canterbury to fund research in engineering and technology.
Britten passed away in 1995 at the age of 45 from cancer. However, his legacy lives on, and his impact on the world of motorcycle engineering and beyond continues to inspire generations of designers, engineers, and makers.
Read more about John Britten on Wikipedia »
Geoff Walker
Geoff Walker (July 21, 1952 Christchurch-October 18, 1997 Christchurch) was a New Zealand personality.
He was best known as a radio and television presenter, and his career spanned over two decades. After completing his education in Christchurch, Geoff began to work for various radio stations in the area. He quickly became a popular radio host due to his lively personality and excellent taste in music.
In the 1980s, he moved to television, where he hosted a variety of shows on TVNZ, including "Ready to Roll" and "Radio with Pictures". He became one of the most recognizable faces on New Zealand television and was beloved by audiences for his wit and charm.
Geoff was also an accomplished musician and songwriter. He released several albums throughout his career and played in various bands. His love of music was evident in his work, and he often featured New Zealand artists on his shows, helping to promote local talent.
Despite his success, Geoff struggled with various health issues throughout his life, and tragically passed away at the age of 45 from a heart attack. He is remembered as one of New Zealand's most beloved media personalities and a true cultural icon.
In addition to his work as a radio and television host, Geoff Walker was also a talented voice actor. He lent his voice to many notable advertisements and served as the narrator for the New Zealand version of the popular children's show "Thomas the Tank Engine". Beyond his professional accomplishments, Geoff was known for his warm and generous personality. He was actively involved in several charitable organizations, including the Muscular Dystrophy Association and the Cancer Society. His commitment to helping others was a testament to his kind heart and generous spirit. Today, Geoff's legacy continues to inspire many in New Zealand, and he is remembered as a talented entertainer and a true Kiwi icon.
Geoff Walker was born and raised in Christchurch, New Zealand. He attended high school in the city and showed an early interest in the arts. His love of music and performance led him to pursue a career in broadcasting, and he started working in radio in the mid-1970s. He quickly gained a reputation as a talented host, and his shows were popular with listeners across the region.
As his career progressed, Geoff moved into television and became a fixture on New Zealand screens. He was known for his quick wit, infectious enthusiasm, and warm personality, and he quickly became one of the country's most beloved entertainers. His shows on TVNZ were hugely popular, and he was a familiar face to millions of viewers.
Throughout his career, Geoff remained committed to promoting local talent and supporting New Zealand artists. He used his platform to showcase the country's rich cultural heritage and helped to shape the music and entertainment industries in New Zealand.
Despite his success, Geoff faced a number of health challenges in his life. He suffered from heart problems and other health issues, and he passed away in 1997 at the age of 45. His death was a great loss to the entertainment industry in New Zealand, and he continues to be remembered as a true icon of the country's cultural scene.
Today, Geoff's legacy lives on through his music, his TV shows, and his charitable work. He remains an inspiration to many, and his contributions to New Zealand's cultural landscape are still celebrated and appreciated by fans and fellow artists alike.
Geoff's contributions to the entertainment industry were recognized and celebrated through numerous awards and accolades. He was a four-time winner of the Feltex Award for Best Music Programme on Television and received the New Zealand Music Industry Award for Outstanding Contribution to Broadcasting in 1997. In the same year, he was posthumously inducted into the New Zealand Music Hall of Fame for his contributions to the country's music industry.
Aside from his media career, Geoff was a family man who was devoted to his wife and two children. He was known for his kind heart and generosity towards others. His charitable works were not limited to the organizations he was involved with. Geoff often helped individuals who were in need of financial or emotional assistance, showing his genuine concern for others.
Geoff's passion for music lives on through his son, who is a successful musician in his own right. His legacy as an entertainer continues to inspire the next generation of broadcasters and performers in New Zealand. For many who grew up watching and listening to him, Geoff will always be remembered as a beloved figure who brought joy and laughter into their lives.
Read more about Geoff Walker on Wikipedia »