Jack Colwell Death, Obituary – The Australian music community is in mourning after the loss of Sydney singer-songwriter, musical director, and choirmaster, Jack Colwell. At just 34 years old, Colwell left a legacy far greater than he could have ever imagined. His performances, filled with raw emotion and theatrical brilliance, as well as his generosity and loyalty to friends, defined his unforgettable presence in the industry.
A Performer Like No Other
When Jack Colwell took the stage, it was impossible not to be mesmerized. He was a one-man séance, taking audiences on a journey through operatic highs and primal, guttural lows. His stage persona was equally striking—he embodied characters that felt like they were pulled straight out of a romantic daydream, from knights in shining armor to shirtless dreamboats lounging on beds of flowers. Jack’s visual style was bold, his emotions even bolder, and his artistry brave enough to tackle darkness and trauma head-on.
His 2020 debut album, *Swandream*, along with a series of EPs and singles, revealed Jack’s depth as a songwriter, collaborating with luminaries like Sarah Blasko and Patrick Wolf. But it wasn’t just his musical talent that made Jack unforgettable; as a friend, he was known for his generous spirit and unwavering loyalty.
 A Friendship Built on Music and Love
Jack’s friendships were just as dynamic as his performances. He and I affectionately called each other “Mary” due to our mutual love for *Jesus Christ Superstar*. Our bond was instantaneous—we met over a decade ago at a writers’ festival, where Jack’s charismatic stage presence and humor left an indelible mark. That night, he wowed the audience with a quirky roll across the stage, likely clad in a sequined dinner jacket and bow tie, ending the evening with a stirring duet of The Motels’ *Total Control* alongside Ella Hooper.
His love for music wasn’t limited to just the stage. Jack held a special place in his heart for strong female artists, with Tori Amos as his personal muse. Like Amos, Jack had a special ability to connect with his audience—he became a lifeline for those who saw themselves in his struggles and triumphs.
Brave, Outspoken, and Always Himself
Jack’s courage was evident from a young age. Comedian and radio presenter Gen Fricker recalls meeting him at a year-nine disco at Sydney’s Conservatorium, where Jack was center stage, krumping to Beyoncé. By their year-twelve formal, Jack had made a statement in a fox fur stole despite the sweltering November heat, a testament to his fearless self-expression. Their friendship endured through thick and thin, with Fricker later lending her vocals to Jack’s early band, The Owls.
“He was out and flamboyant at 14,” Fricker reminisces. “So brave and so himself, always.”
A Career Defined by Boldness and Artistry
Jack Colwell’s fearless approach to life spilled into his creative work. His music videos were anything but ordinary—he was often seen in various striking roles, from dancing naked in a gay bathhouse to being drowned by beloved Australian actress Claudia Karvan. In the haunting video for *Far From View*, Jack portrayed a crooner addressing a jaded debutante—perhaps an avatar for his own struggles and resilience.
One of Jack’s long-term collaborators, musician Brendan Maclean, recalls their early days when they were pit against each other by a queer magazine as “the two up-and-coming gay songwriters of Sydney.” Initially, they disliked each other, but over time, the shared experiences of being openly queer in the music industry brought them closer. “Jack was unafraid to bark, belt, and scream,” Maclean says. “His focus was always on the song and how he could connect with his audience, even if it left some terrified of the ferocious, writhing, howling performer on stage.”
A Legacy of Generosity and Connection
Jack Colwell’s career was filled with monumental achievements. He headlined a sold-out album show at the Sydney Opera House backed by a string quartet, and he accompanied Patrick Wolf on stages both in Australia and London. His talents as a musical director were also sought after—he worked with Architecture in Helsinki, arranged for the Avalanches tribute night at the Opera House, and coordinated the chorus for Karen O’s *Stop the Virgens* at Vivid Sydney.
But Jack’s greatest contribution might have been his commitment to fostering community. Never a gatekeeper, Jack made sure to open doors for others. Whether arranging concerts, working with kids as a guitar and piano teacher, or collaborating with fellow musicians, Jack connected people through his generosity of spirit and passion for music.
Remembering a Friend and Musical Visionary
Though Jack’s life was cut tragically short, his impact on those who knew him, and on the wider Australian music scene, will be felt for years to come. As a performer, he gave everything to his audience, leaving them captivated, sometimes even unnerved by his raw power. As a friend, he offered boundless loyalty, wit, and warmth.
Jack Colwell was, and always will be, a shining example of what it means to live authentically, creatively, and with love. His loss is immeasurable, but his memory will remain a guiding light for all who had the privilege of knowing him.
