Australian music legend Ignatius Jones dies at 67

Australian music icon Ignatius Jones, best known as the frontman of JIMMY And The Boys, has passed away at the age of 67 following a brief illness.

Jones, a prolific figure in the Australian music scene, died in his Philippines home on Tuesday, May 8, as confirmed by his sister Monica.

Renowned for his “immense creative energy,” Jones dedicated over five decades to enriching the arts both in Australia and worldwide.

Monica expressed profound sadness, stating, “It is with immense sadness that we announce the passing of Ignatius Jones AM, after a short illness.”

She described him as a “bon-vivant” and a “lively raconteur,” highlighting his vast knowledge of history and the arts.

Born Juan Ignacio Rafaelo Lorenzo Trápaga y Esteban in Manila, Philippines, in 1957, Jones migrated to Australia with his family in 1963. He became a citizen in 1971 and rose to fame as the lead singer of Sydney’s shock rock band, Jimmy And The Boys, during the 1970s and 80s.

The band gained immense popularity and released two studio albums, Not Like Everybody Else and Teddy Boys Picnic.

Transitioning to events directing, Jones left an indelible mark by overseeing the opening and closing ceremonies of the Sydney Olympics in 2000 and directing Sydney’s New Year’s Eve celebrations from 1996 to 2002.

In 2018, Jones married his husband, Novy Bereber, before retiring to the Philippines in 2022.

Recognized for his outstanding contributions to the arts, Jones received numerous accolades, including the Filipino-Australian of the Year Award in 2014, a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Australian Event Awards in 2017, and the Member of the Order of Australia in 2019.

He is survived by his husband Novy, his mother Margot Martin, his brother Luis Miguel, his sisters Rocio and Monica, and his nieces and nephews.