Revered New Zealand musician, Buster Stiggs (aka Mark Hough) is confirmed to have passed away this weekend.
According to Audio Culture, the London-born artist, best known as drummer for The Swingers, died on Sunday following a lengthy illness.
Formed in 1979 with members of The Suburban Reptiles, The Swingers released their first single, One Good Reason, in 1980.
Their first big hit, Counting The Beat, topped music charts in both New Zealand and Australia, however prior to its release, Hough left the band to join Melbourne group, Models, for an eight-month stint.
Figures within the music industry have paid tribute to Hough, including former Swingers bandmate and Midnight Oil bassist, Bones Hillman.
"We all lose people in our lives its a sad reality, but this bugger was a seminal part of the journey which has lead me to where I am today," Hillman's statement published on 13th Floor reads.
Crowded House frontman Neil Finn also paid his respects to Hough, today tweeting, "I had the good fortune to share a house, make music and have many belly laughs with him. He put the swing into the Swingers..."
Very sad to hear that Mark Hough aka Buster Stiggs has died. I had the good fortune to share a house, make music and have many belly laughs with him. He put the swing into the Swingers, love and best to Ash and his loved ones.
— neil mullane finn (@NeilFinn) January 8, 2018
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