Chrissy Amphlett, best known for fronting the Divinyls, passed away at her home yesterday in New York City following an extended battle with both breast cancer and multiple sclerosis. She was just fifty-three-years-old.
The singer/ songwriter first rose to prominence in her native Australia in the early-to-mid 80s after forming the Divinyls with collaborator/ on-again-off-again lover Mark McEntee. The group achieved plenty of success Down Under, but it wasn’t until 1991’s hit “I Touch Myself” that the band became world famous. They continued making music together for a further five years, but with the personal relationship between Amphlett and McEntee imploding, everyone involved decided to go their separate ways in ’96, at least until their positions softened later in life and they got back together for a tour a few years back.
Amphlett always prided herself as a bit of a firecracker. She openly flirted on stage and used a balance of charm, sexuality and incredible vocals to win over crowds the world over. The last few years of her life were definitely a challenge between the MS diagnosis and the breast cancer diagnosis, but she fought like a champion until the very end.
Pop Blend’s sincerest thoughts go out to Amphlett’s entire family, as well as her millions of fans around the world. Her stage presence was wonderful, and her connection to people was even stronger. She will be missed, especially in Australia where she was elected to the ARIA Hall of Fame and even won fame as an actress.
It’s always sad to see someone die in the prime of their life, but Amphlett’s friends and family can take solace in all she contributed before she left.
