Tyler Gunn
March 26, 1986 – May 28, 2011
Tyler Gunn was the guitarist for up-and-coming Brisbane, Queensland band, Flannelette. Formed in 2010, the hard rock group had been building a regional following thanks for their dynamic live shows and recently self-released EP. The band members were driving home from a gig on the Gold Coast when their van was reportedly struck by a semi-trailer as they were attempting to pull off the road after experiencing engine trouble. Tyler Gunn (age 24), bassist Mick Fisher (age 30), and a female companion died as a result of their injuries. Singer/guitarist Matt Campbell, who was reportedly driving the van, survived the accident.
Thanks to Anne Bentley for the assist.
I’m Tyler’s mother. I wanted nothing more than for him to pursue his musical gift. I just want to say that I miss him dearly and I wish all the best for the new Flannelette members. Please do my son’s writing and composures justice. Welcome and Shaun and Dave. I hope I got that right. Tyler was about the land, the bush and Australia in general. He was about land rights for American Indians (My heritage–given to him) and also about land rights in the country he was born in, Australia. That means he was widely versed as to the issues the Original owners of Australia faced. I’ve always been right behind him. I organized a didgeridoo playing at his funeral. Since Tyler’s death, I have been given two didgeridoos. I love them, and for Tyler, I have learned to make the basic sounds they were meant to make. I can’t tell a story like the didge is meant to, but I am learning to make all the sounds the didge can make and it is very comforting to me. It makes me feel as if I am in tune with the land in which I am now living in. The land in which my son Rests In Peace.
I am sorry for your loss, Linda. Thank you for stopping by and leaving your beautiful words.
Vince
Thank you Vince. Both Tyler’s father and I were at the HiFi for the performance you have posted. Bob made an 8 hour trip to be there while I drove for 3 hours to get there. We were so proud of all the boys. We have known Matt for years, him and Tyler went to school together in the town of St.George, Queensland. Instead of studying they wrote music in class, much to the horror of Matt’s mother who was a teacher at the same school. Actually she didn’t really mind as she knew they were just gearing up for their future. They had a dream. Mick shared a house in Brisbane with Matt and Tyler and they were very serious about their band. Late for practice or a band meeting was not something they accepted. When I visited them, it was like having 3 sons so Mick is also dearly missed. Tyler’s birthday is the 26th of May, 1986. Sadly, Tyler’s father was sick with cancer when the accident happened but no one realized it as he kept saying he was just having a hard time getting over the flu. He was diagnosed just shortly after we laid Tyler to rest and then died of a broken heart within two weeks. Bob was laid to rest next to Tyler on the family property at St. George. I don’t know which was worse, Bob having to lose the son he dearly loved or if the accident had not happened, Tyler would have had to see his father die and that would have been the hardest thing in the world for him as he dearly loved his father. He had always been a very well behaved boy growing up and grew into a kind sweet helpful young man. The boys always mowed the lawn (free of charge) for the elderly lady who lived next door and when the other neighbours had a baby, they ended band practice earlier. The world lost some good souls and some great musical talent but hopefully their legacy will live on in Flannelette.
I’m sorry to hear about the hard times you and your family are going through. I’m glad I found out about your son’s band way over here in California, though it would have been nicer under better circumstances. Stay strong!
Vince