Stephen Jones, an early pioneer of electronic music, has died after allegedly being brutally ambushed outside of his recording studio. He was 75.
Videos by Wide Open Country
As reported by the Daily Mail, Jones was allegedly attacked outside his studio in Alexandria on Tuesday, October 6th. He died two days later at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, surrounded by family and friends. His death was confirmed in a statement shared on his Facebook page on Friday, October 9th.
"Stephen was viciously assaulted outside his studio on Tuesday," the statement read. "After loving visits from friends over the course of the day, Stephen died peacefully on Thursday afternoon.
"Stephen left this world with brother Ian and partner Wendy holding his hands. He was surrounded by friends."
According to the family, a suspect has been arrested and charged with manslaughter in connection with the incident. The accused appeared in court on Thursday and was being held without bail.
Still the family urged the public to avoid speculation.
"We ask that people respect the ongoing investigation, chain of evidence, and refrain from speculation and sharing unverified information. This is an ongoing investigation, and we want justice for Stephen," the statement continued.
"The family is working with police and are unable to supply any further details to you at this time. We ask for privacy during this difficult experience."
Legacy of Musician and Visual Artist Stephen Jones
Jones was one of Australia's earliest electronic music stars.
He is best known for his decade-long stunt with Severed Hands.
Jones famously used analog video synthesizers to create awe-inspiring visuals for Severed Hands' concerts and music videos.
Several artists celebrated the life of Jones in touching messages on social media.
"I want to remember Stephen not through the violence of his final days, but through the extraordinary life he lived and his work as one of the original pioneers in Australian video art," wrote artist Ralph Kerle. "With Severed Heads, he made video an instrument of live performance and toured internationally. As an artist, engineer, writer and historian, he helped shape Australian electronic art and preserve its history."
Famed photographer Juno Gemes wrote that she is "deeply sad about the violent death" of Jones.
"I feel he was seriously under acknowledged for his pioneering genius by the art world in general in Australia — who often miss gentle giants before them in plain sight — his manner always mild, gentle and generous," she wrote. "I admit and regret that I argued with him about small details too often. He was a dear friend and cherished colleague over a lifetime."
