Steve Gilpin facts for kids

Stephen Ellis Gilpin (28 April 1949 – 6 January 1992) was a New Zealand singer.

In November 1972, he won the national final of TV talent show, New Faces. He joined various groups and performed as a solo artist. He was severely injured in a car accident in November 1991 and died of his injuries on 6 January 1992, aged 42.

Biography

Stephen Ellis Gilpin was born on 28 April 1949 in Wellington, New Zealand. He began his music career as a cabaret singer in hotels. In 1972 he issued the single, "Spring", on Strange Records, and another single, "Anna, No Can Do", on HMV Australia. In November that year he was the winner of New Zealand TV talent show, New Faces, ahead of Shona Laing. He followed with a string of singles until his focus shifted from cabaret to rock music. In 1976 Gilpin met with progressive rock band Father Thyme and suggested that they work together.

In 1977 Gilpin formed Fragments of Time with Don Martin on bass guitar and Alan Moon on keyboards (both ex-members of Father Thyme). Moon soon left and was replaced on keyboards by Murray Burns (ex-Red Rose), Kevin Stanton joined on guitar; and Phil Start on drums. Start was replaced by Steve Osborne on drums.

Gilpin also performed with a covers band Under Rapz. He lived on a rural property near Mullumbimby in northern New South Wales.

Death

On 25 November 1991, while driving home from an Under Rapz gig at nearby Byron Bay, Gilpin was involved in a car accident. He sustained serious head injuries that left him in a coma. He never recovered consciousness and died in Southport Hospital on 6 January 1992, aged 42. He was buried on his property. Two benefit concerts were held in February for his wife Maggie, and their two children.