Andy Bickers, the saxophonist who spent more than three decades performing with legendary Australian rock band Cold Chisel, has died after a battle with cancer. The band announced Bickers’ death on Friday and offered their condolences; they described the musician as an important part of their journey and a cherished member of their family.Cold Chisel shared the news on social media, paying tribute to Bickers’ significant contribution. “Our beloved sax player of over 30 years, Andy Bickers, passed away this morning after a difficult battle with cancer,” the Instagram post read. The band continues with an emotional reflection on their relationship with the musician. “Andy is our brother: a wonderful musician and a great person to be with when out on the road or out on the town. His invaluable contribution on stage with songs like Rising Sun, Saturday Night and My Baby will never be forgotten. Our hearts are broken for his wife Lisa and his son Rudy,” the band concluded.
Honors: from fellow musicians and collaborators
Frontman Jimmy Barnes also shared a heartfelt tribute reflecting on the decades they spent touring together and the depth of their friendship. “Andy also toured many times with me, playing soul and rock shows. We are friends not only because he is a great player, but he is funny, intelligent, and above all, he is a good person. Much love to Lisa and Rudy. You will be sadly missed, Andy,” Barnes wrote.Peter Garrett, the lead singer of Midnight Oil, another band with whom Bickers has collaborated extensively, also offered a farewell. “Vale was a much loved sax player for the Oils and many other artists – Andy Bickers – who left us today after a long illness. Our thoughts are with his wife Lisa and son Rudy,” Garrett wrote. He promoted one of Bickers last shows. “One of Andy’s last gigs was leading the brass section at the climax of this tribute to Rob Hirst at the 2026 APRA Awards, where he played with his signature power and passion,” the post concluded.
Saxophonist Andy Bickers has been an integral part of Cold Chisel’s live performances, contributing to some of the band’s most iconic songs. Image credit (Instagram).
Andy Bickers’ musical journey and career
According to: nine. com:Hailing from Wellington, New Zealand, Bickers developed his passion for Australian music while at university after watching footage of an iconic tour. The musician moved first to Melbourne and later to Sydney, where he worked hard on the live music circuit. His breakthrough came when he received an invitation to join a touring band, an opportunity that eventually led him to join Cold Chisel, where he remained a core member for more than three decades.Aside from his work with Cold Chisel, Bickers has established himself as a highly sought after session and touring musician performing with some of the biggest names in the music industry. His collaborations include work with Midnight Oil, Silverchair, The Eagles, Don Henley, Diesel, Powderfinger, You Am I, Pete Murray and Vika and Linda, demonstrating his versatility and respected standing within the wider music community.Bickers is survived by his wife Lisa and son Rudy, to whom tributes from his musical colleagues have been directed.