It is with great sadness that we have learned of Ollie Olsen’s passing on 16 October.
Ollie was a highly regarded musician who had been active in the Australian music industry since the 1970s. Known for his pioneering work in electronic music, Ollie contributed to several influential bands, including Young Charlatans with Rowland S. Howard and Jeffery Wegner. He also collaborated with prominent figures such as Michael Hutchence in MAX Q, Bill MacDonald of Frente and Paul Kelly band, Andrew Duffield of The Models, Paul Grabowsky, Frank Milward, Marie Hoy in Orchestra of Skin and Bone, John Murphy, Michael Sheridan, Arne Hanna, and co-founded the label Psy-Harmonics with Andrew Till. Alongside his creative pursuits, Ollie has shared his knowledge and passion through teaching and lecturing at universities.
In recent years, Ollie’s health significantly declined. He was diagnosed with Multiple System Atrophy, a terminal neurodegenerative disease that has led to him requiring full-time care, which was provided by his wife Jayne. He was also suffering with Dysphagia, a condition that made swallowing difficult.
Ollie’s Help a Mate is still open to donations, which will now provide funds to cover his funeral costs, as well as reimburse some of the medical and living costs associated with Ollie’s care. Your contribution, no matter the amount, will make a meaningful difference. Please donate today.
