Much-loved country music star and resident Neil Buttsworth passed away on Sunday, but not without pushing his creative boundaries one last time.
Speaking with Kate Yates last Thursday, Neil said he was giving his musical nous one last shot and launching his final album to celebrate life.
On the album, aptly named ‘Life’s Journey’, Neil’s talents will be shared with one and all at a tribute concert and album launch on Sunday, July 3 at 10.30am at Wauchope RSL Club.
Neil, who was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer in September last year, had hoped to keep his health a little longer and be at the launch.
But it was not to be.
However, the stage will be shared by his sons-in-law Lindsay Waddington and Jeff Innes, lifelong pal Ken Lindsay and his granddaughters Bec Wright, 13 and Tiana Innes, 15.
“The album is an emotional journey as well as a musical journey,” Neil said last Thursday.
The husband to lovely Marion, father of three, step-father of four, grandfather of twelve and great-grandfather of one, said music had always been a highlight of his life.
“It’s always been great — travelling, touring performing, it’s who I am,” Neil had said.
At a guess, he said, he had “put down” over fifty albums, released three solo albums and loved spending time in the studio performing alongside family members when working on ‘Life’s Journey’ with Kross Kut Records.
“Life’s a bit like this album,” Neil said. “You don’t always plan what’s next, it just happens.”
Although Neil’s life had been on the road and on a stage, he called the Hastings home, being a born and bred local.
Over the years, he had not only been an integral part of the country music industry, but a friend to many in the region, contributing much to the community and his family.
If you would like to celebrate Neil’s life and the launch of ‘Life’s Journey’, doors will be open to one and all at the Wauchope RSL Club on Sunday, July 3 at 10.30am for the event.
Tickets are $10.
