FALLEN HERO To the ears of Newcastle's "Godfather of rock" Mark Tinson, Greg Dawson was the finest bass guitarist he's heard from the Hunter. On Monday night Dawson lost his short battle with cancer, which led to an outpouring of grief among Newcastle musicians and fans. Dawson was 64.
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Dawson often told family he'd performed in 50 bands, but his best known acts were undoubtedly legendary '70s rocks bands Armageddon and Heroes. He later played bass in Radio Gaga, The Orphans and most recently with covers act Shivoo. On August 17 he performed his final show with Shivoo at the Kahibah Sports Club.
Tinson last played with Dawson at a Heroes and Armageddon reunion show in 2017 at Lizotte's and was amazed that his friend was sharp as ever on the four-string. "It's a tragic loss as he was a fantastic person and it's a tragic loss for music as he was probably the best bass player we've produced," Tinson says.
A large section on the Newcastle music fraternity is expected to farewell Dawson at his funeral on Wednesday at Pettigews Belmont from 12.30pm. Dawson is survived by his wife Lynne and daughter Nicola.
Josh Leeson
Josh Leeson is an entertainment and features journalist, specialising in music, at the Newcastle Herald. He first joined the masthead in 2008 after stints at the Namoi Valley Independent and Port Stephens Examiner and has previously covered sport including the Asian Cup, A-League, Surfest, cricket and rugby league.
Josh Leeson is an entertainment and features journalist, specialising in music, at the Newcastle Herald. He first joined the masthead in 2008 after stints at the Namoi Valley Independent and Port Stephens Examiner and has previously covered sport including the Asian Cup, A-League, Surfest, cricket and rugby league.
