Slim Newton dead: The Australian country star, best known for writing legendary ’70s hit The Redback on the Toilet Seat, has died after a battle with dementia
Australian country musician Slim Newton died on January 8 at the age of 90.
Friends and family members confirmed his death on Facebook, paying tribute to the singer, who spanned a 50-year career.
It was believed that he suffered from dementia in the years leading up to his death.
Australian country musician Slim Newton (pictured) died on January 8 at the age of 90 after a long battle with dementia
One fan wrote: “I met him several times when he was performing. I will miss him very much. Goodbye Slim, and thanks for the memories.”
Another said: “I was saddened to hear the news that Slim had passed away. He packed a special life into these nine decades and recorded incredible music.”
Born Ralph Newton in Western Australia in 1932, Slim rose to fame in 1972 with his tongue-in-cheek country ballad The Redback on the Toilet Seat.
He once told Woman’s Weekly he was inspired to write the tune after a visiting friend remarked he hoped there weren’t any spiders in the outside toilet.
Friends and family members confirmed his death on Facebook, paying tribute to the singer, who spanned a 50-year career
The Redback on the Toilet Seat peaked at number 3 on the Australian Singles Chart and became Slim’s signature song.
He was followed by many other popular songs, none of which reached the same height as Redback, and became a fixture on the Australian country music scene.
Despite his success, Newton never gave up his job as a welder and juggled his physical duties and performances for years.
A family member revealed in a YouTube comment two years ago that Newton had been suffering from dementia for some time
His contributions to the industry were recognized in 1977 when he was inducted into the Australian Country Music Hands of Fame.
A memorial service for friends and family will be held in NSW on Friday 20 January.
Newton is survived by his four children, Stephen, Lisa, Linda and Jodi.
Born Ralph Newton in Western Australia in 1932, Slim rose to fame in 1972 with his tongue-in-cheek country ballad The Redback on the Toilet Seat