Wollongong rock identity Dave Mutton passes

The Wollongong music scene is this week in mourning after the passing of one of its major players, singer and street poet Dave Mutton.

He had been battling cancer for eleven months.

Aside from his bands, Mutton was remembered for the way he supported and fervently believed in the Wollongong scene.

He was always spotted at a local gig, usually standing front of stage with VB can in hand, dancing and shouting out encouragement.

Record store Music Farmers acknowledged, “It wasn't really a local gig if Dave wasn't front and centre.

“He also was one of the most unique and prolific songwriters in town across numerous projects.”

Mutton played in The Carcinogenics, Metal Ram and Psychotic Numbskulls before teaming with guitarist Lax Charisma in the band Nice Folk.

Nice Folk drew their inspiration from intense unorthodox outfits as Captain Beefheart Magic Band, Box The Jesuit, Laughing Clowns, The Gun Cub and Pere Ubu.

Lax Charisma recalls that Mutton started out in the band as an acoustic guitar and singer.

At one gig his guitar kept screwing up, so the rest of the band hissed, “Fuck the guitar, just sing!”

Mutton became a prolific songwriter.

This week Charisma told the Illawarra Mercury, “When we first met ... I thought I’d found Lou Reed.

“He was a street poet filled with an authenticity and attention to detail you couldn’t make up.”