Sadly on Monday night, one of Australia's most talented vocalists and much loved people, Shane Collins passed away. Based in the Sunshine Coast / Brisbane area, Shane was involved in fronting a long history of bands including, STANDALONE, CRIMSON HELLKITE, THE GIFTHORSE, HEADACHES, and TNNL CNTS / BARKING SPIDERS. Shane was someone I deeply respected, looked up to and was proud to call a mate.
Over the past 24 hours, as the news has spread, the outpouring of grief from all corners of the country is a true testament to Shane's character and his immense heart of gold. Everyone has a story about how Shane positively impacted their life and it seriously feels like he did know everyone, as Shane made friends everywhere he went.
But Shane wasn't really the kind of guy who had friends or acquanitinaces, he simply had mates. If you'd only met him once or chatted to him briefly, it didn't matter, you were his mate and you'd felt like you'd known him your whole life. That was just how he made you feel. Shane's preferred method of greeting you was not a handshake, but a bear hug. That was just how he did things and despite him towering over me, I never felt threatened in his grip, as his hugs were filled with nothing but warmth. Shane was the most gentle of giants.
Paul McCartney famously once said "you can judge a man's true character by the way he treats his fellow animals" and by god he must have had Shane in mind when he said this. Shane was a huge dog lover, obsessive even. As Shane's bands made their way around the country, wherever he stayed a photo of Shane with that person's dog would soon arise. With his work as a white goods repairman, his daily encounters with other people's dogs soon became my favourite thing to look at on instagram. No matter where my headspace was at, Shane's photos made my day. Dogs I See At Work or Dogs I Pat At Work will forever be known as Shane's calling card or hashtag.
Shane had the ability to light up a room with a crack of his smile and a quick whip, forever the Aussie larrikin, a real life Daryl Kerrigan even. Who can forget when he shot to international stardom and broke the internet with his emu encounter. Get Off the road ya dickhead! Classic Shane!
He was forever grateful for any effort made to see his bands play, making sure to thank you for coming out, totally oblivious to the fact you weren't just there as a mate supporting, but more as a fan of the music he was involved in. Shane was humble and downplayed any compliments about his musical abilities and let's face it, the guy's voice is one in a million.
I first came across the magnificance of Shane's singing abilities in 2007 when Andrew Mackey gave me a copy of his then band's demo VALUES HERE, at a show in Brisbane. Shane contributed guest vocals to the track "Purpose" on the demo and upon hearing it, it immediately blew my mind. I was staying on the Gold Coast at the time and on the drive back, I must have played that track at least 10 times, marvelling at how well Shane could hold a note and phrase words to music. I told Mackey soon after and he informed me I really need to check out Shane's new band THE GIFTHORSE, as they've also just released an amazing demo.
THE GIFTHORSE soon became my fave band and Shane my fave frontman. His voice was so soothing and yet totally intoxicating, much like his personality. In Australian punk circles many give singing their best shot, but often find they are limited by the sound of their own voice. Not Shane. His voice was incredible, untouchable even, and he soon became the envy of every guy who'd ever taken to a mic. To Shane it was natural, effortless even. Fuck he could sing. He could also write an amazing hearfelt song with the most clever of lyrics to boot too.
After an album and two EPs, THE GIFTHORSE eventually ran its course, but Shane resurfaced again fronting HEADACHES. His voice was too good to not be heard and I was stoked he was in a new band. Shane belonged on a stage. It seemed like he would always be in a band. Sadly HEADACHES would come to a premature end and eventually THE GIFTHORSE got back together again for a while and would release new music. Then would come the good time party cover band, TNNL CNTS later renamed BARKING SPIDERS, both a tilt of the hat to Cold Chisel, a band that perfectly suited Shane's persona of drinking beer and having a good time.
Shane's love for classic Australian 80s rock is perhaps best personififed with THE GIFTHORSE cover of Spy Vs Spy's "Don't Tear It Down". An amazing rendition, one that made me extremely jealous, for I once approached my own band about doing the same cover only to be shot down in flames. I made a point of showing it to my band mates, to prove that it did make for the perfect cover after all, but who was I kidding? It would have sounded terrible if I sang it. It sounded amazing because of Shane, as he had the midas touch.
Shane touched the lives of so many, there is now a void that feels impossible to fill. It's hard to believe I'll never see my mate again, Shane was the kind of guy you figured would be around forever. He's only been gone a day and it already feels like a lifetime, this is the Shane Collins effect. If the world was full of more people like Shane Collins, it truly would be a wonderful place.
I'd like to pass on my condolences to Shane's fiancee Tara, his doggo, and his family and friends who are no doubt hurting right now. I really hope Shane's found peace.
Ryan Willmott
Below are the public funeral details and some words from Tara...
The public service is on Friday Feb 9 at 2:30PM at Marcoola beach (near the Surf Club) where we will scatter our beautiful man's ashes in the ocean. Myself and Shane's family welcome everyone who loved and cared about Shane to attend and be there for us and each other. We would love for anyone who has a surfboard and is willing, to surf out past the waves and scatter Shanes ashes, we know he would have wanted this.
Everyone is also encouraged to attend Marcoola Surf Club afterwards for a drink and to share your memories of “Brisbane’s Best”, Shane Collins.
I know so many people are hurting at this dark time. Shane would want you to support each other and ask each other for help if you need it.
Shane loved you all, I love you all.
If you or someone you know is struggling with life, please reach out and talk to somone, be it a friend, a family member or a stranger on the end of a help line.
Headspace 1800 650 890 Lifeline 13 11 14 beyondblue 1300 224 636
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Vale SHANE COLLINS...