The Northern Express Herald

Cold Chisel sax player Andy Bickers dies, mourned by Jimmy Barnes and bandmates

Kiwi born Cold Chisel sax player Andy Bickers died on July 10 after a cancer battle. He'd been with the band for 30 years.
NZ Herald Morning Headlines | Saturday, July 11, 2026. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives in New Zealand for diplomatic and business meetings. Video / NZ Herald

Jimmy Barnes and Cold Chisel members are mourning their Kiwi-born bandmate Andy Bickers, who has died “after a hard-fought battle with cancer”.

“Our much loved sax player of more than 30 years” died on Friday morning, the band posted on its social media page.

Bickers reportedly played in Wellington rock bands in the 80s before moving to Australia.

He later joined Cold Chisel, while also touring with bands such as the Eagles, Midnight Oil and Silverchair.

New Zealand-born Cold Chisel sax player Andy Bickers also toured with Midnight Oil, the Eagles and Silverchair.
New Zealand-born Cold Chisel sax player Andy Bickers also toured with Midnight Oil, the Eagles and Silverchair.

“Andy was our brother: an incredible musician and a great person to be out on the road or out on the town with,” Cold Chisel wrote on social media.

“His valuable contribution onstage to songs like Rising Sun, Saturday Night and My Baby will be sorely missed.

“Our hearts break for his wife Lisa and his son Rudy.”

Barnes also honoured his buddy.

Jimmy Barnes described Andy Bickers as "funny, intelligent, and most importantly, he was a good man".
Jimmy Barnes described Andy Bickers as "funny, intelligent, and most importantly, he was a good man".

“Andy also toured many times with me, playing soul and rock shows,” he said.

“We were friends not only because he was a great player but he was funny, intelligent, and most importantly, he was a good man.

“Lots of love to Lisa and Rudy. You will be sadly missed, Andy x.”

Midnight Oil also posted to social media, talking about the “signature power and passion” of Bickers’ playing style.

“Vale much loved sax player for the Oils and so many other artists ≠ Andy Bickers – who left us today after a long illness. Our thoughts are with his wife Lisa and son Rudy.”