Beloved Australian jazz musician Bob Bertles dies aged 85
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Beloved Australian jazz musician Bob Bertles, who was the husband of Home and Away star Nancye Hayes, died on Monday aged 85. No cause of death was given and it is believed he was in poor health for several years. The veteran musician was born in Melbourne in 1939 and performed as a saxophonist and bandleader across Australia for almost seven decades.
![[The veteran musician was born in Melbourne in 1939 and performed as a saxophonist and bandleader across Australia for almost seven decades]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/01/06/93637741-14240931-image-a-141_1735713495693.jpg)
A family friend confirmed the heartbreaking news of Bertles' passing on social media. 'Very saddened by the passing of alto and baritone saxophonist Bob Bertles, a major veteran figure in the Australian jazz scene. 'A truly gentle spirit in every sense. Condolences to his wife, Nancye.'.
![[Bertles met his future wife Nancye Hayes in the early '80s while he was in the band for a stage production of the musical Chicago, and they fell in love and later got married]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/01/06/93637747-14240931-image-a-145_1735713699290.jpg)
Beloved Australian jazz musician Bob Bertles, who was the husband of Home and Away star Nancye Hayes, died on Monday aged 85. Both pictured. Devastated fans quickly went online to express their sadness over the heartbreaking news. 'Rest peacefully Bob. Thanks for all that wonderful music. You live forever in our hearts and souls,' one person wrote.
'A gifted musician with a huge heart. thank you Bob. Condolences to your beautiful wife,' a second user added. The self-taught musician got his big break in 1958 when he recruited by veteran Australian rock star Johnny O'Keefe to perform with his band The Dee Jays across the country.
Bertles wowed audiences throughout Australia for the next five years with his incredible saxophone skills, as he performed alongside the country's first rock star. He then joined veteran Aussie r'n'b band Max Merritt & The Meteors and performed with them in both Australia and England throughout the late '60s.
