Magic Dirt (Dean Turner far right)

The future of Magic Dirt is in doubt following the loss of their founding bass player, Dean Turner.

Turner died last Friday after a long battle with cancer. He was 37.

“The surviving Magic Dirt members, Adalita, Raul and Adam are absolutely devastated at their loss and cannot fathom a future without him,” a statement from the band said.

“Above all else they will remember Dean as their beautiful and precious friend. Kind, gentle, very funny and witty, had impeccable taste, a joy to be around, a great storyteller, extremely trustworthy, honest, generous, direct, a brilliant diamond mind.

“They are so very proud of Dean’s brave fight and will do everything in their power to ensure that Dean’s legacy of integrity and spirit lives on.

“The band has postponed their upcoming tour until further notice. Magic Dirt’s love and thoughts go out to Dean’s family and to his wife Linda and two children.”

Turner lost his battle with dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP), a rare form of soft tissue cancer, on Friday August 21.

The bass player had been battling cancer for nine years.

As well as performing with Magic Dirt, Turner championed a number of fellow Aussie artists in the role as producer.

He produced records for bands such as Violent Soho, theredsunband, Gersey, Sons of the Sun and lastly worked on Adalita’s (Magic Dirt’s front woman) first solo album.

Turner is survived by his wife and two children.

Memorial Service:

A service to celebrate the life of Dean Turner will be held at the Main Hall, Northcote Town Hall 198 High St, Northcote on Friday August 28, 2009 at 11.30am.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Charlie and Evie Turner Trust.

Charlie and Evie Turner Trust Account details.

St George Bank
BSB 333 030
Acc 700 636 624

Tags | Dean Turner, Magic dirt