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Obituaries and Eulogies / R.I.P. - Les Stacpool (82)
« Last post by RAM on Sat 02 May 2026 15:27:29 »Legendary Australian guitarist Les Stacpool, passed away on April 27, 2026. He was 82.
I haven't seen much coverage in the mainstream media, but Gil Matthews posted on Facebook...
"We have lost one of our best ever guitar players.
LES STACPOOL was just not a good guitar player, he was just bloody awesome with a style all his own and definitely one of our best ever.
I worked with Les with the Grantley Dee band and then Levi Smith's Clefs. He was the lead guitarist with the Chessmen,( Johnny Chester's band), then the Browns and few others and then Levi Smiths Clefs."
Blues Music Victoria Inc. also posted the following on Facebook...
"Today we say goodbye to one of the true greats of the Australian music scene — Les Stacpool.
A legendary figure in Melbourne’s blues and rock community, Les was a guitarist of rare versatility, feel, and quiet brilliance. Across decades of music, he built a reputation not just as a gifted player, but as a musician’s musician — the kind of artist others looked to with deep respect. His work with bands including Levi Smith's Clefs, Country Radio, Gulliver’s Travels, and Sasha helped shape the sound of an era and left a lasting imprint on the Australian live music landscape.
Often described as “one of the finest guitarists in the world,” Les never needed to chase the spotlight — his playing spoke for itself. Whether on stage, in the studio, or alongside fellow musicians, he brought soul, taste, and an unmistakable touch that could lift any song.
More than his extraordinary talent, Les will be remembered for his contribution to the community — a player who inspired generations of musicians across Melbourne and beyond, and a presence woven into the fabric of the blues.
Today we honour his life, his music, and the legacy he leaves behind.
Rest easy, Les.
Your sound will live on.'
I haven't seen much coverage in the mainstream media, but Gil Matthews posted on Facebook...
"We have lost one of our best ever guitar players.
LES STACPOOL was just not a good guitar player, he was just bloody awesome with a style all his own and definitely one of our best ever.
I worked with Les with the Grantley Dee band and then Levi Smith's Clefs. He was the lead guitarist with the Chessmen,( Johnny Chester's band), then the Browns and few others and then Levi Smiths Clefs."
Blues Music Victoria Inc. also posted the following on Facebook...
"Today we say goodbye to one of the true greats of the Australian music scene — Les Stacpool.
A legendary figure in Melbourne’s blues and rock community, Les was a guitarist of rare versatility, feel, and quiet brilliance. Across decades of music, he built a reputation not just as a gifted player, but as a musician’s musician — the kind of artist others looked to with deep respect. His work with bands including Levi Smith's Clefs, Country Radio, Gulliver’s Travels, and Sasha helped shape the sound of an era and left a lasting imprint on the Australian live music landscape.
Often described as “one of the finest guitarists in the world,” Les never needed to chase the spotlight — his playing spoke for itself. Whether on stage, in the studio, or alongside fellow musicians, he brought soul, taste, and an unmistakable touch that could lift any song.
More than his extraordinary talent, Les will be remembered for his contribution to the community — a player who inspired generations of musicians across Melbourne and beyond, and a presence woven into the fabric of the blues.
Today we honour his life, his music, and the legacy he leaves behind.
Rest easy, Les.
Your sound will live on.'
The Ronettes are my favourite of all the "girl" groups.