Drummer For Models, Johnny Crash Passes Away

Janis Friedenfelds, best known as Johnny Crash (pictured second from left), the original drummer for 80s alt-rock new wave pioneers Models, has passed away.

The news was confirmed on the band’s Facebook by fellow founding member Sean Kelly, who posted a tribute message regarding his one-time bandmate, calling him a “caring person and a loyal friend.”

“Before I started working with Johnny Crash, I was already a big fan. When JAB moved across from Adelaide with their entourage all those years ago, they brought an impressive air of authenticity to the Melbourne punk scene.”

“Later with Models, when programming prototype electronic drums, or syncopating a groove, Johnny was the best going around. He also wrote some great songs for us, including Vanessa, Brave New World, and Uncontrollable Boy, his work with the Sacred Cowboys and The Slaughtermen was amazing too.”

“Will very much miss the occasional visit with Johnny, he was a very caring person and a loyal friend.”

The cause of death has yet to be revealed.

Friedenfelds was also a member of Adelaide experimental punk outfit JAB, who had a short but important impact on the local scene in the late 70s, along with his time in post-punk bands Sacred Cowboys and The Slaughtermen. His tenure in Models lasted around around three years.

Models returned for a few live shows late last year, with plans underway to release a new album sometime in 2014.