Chrissy Amphlett
October 25, 1959 – April 21, 2013
Chrissy Amphlett was an Australian singer who is best remembered for fronting the internationally famous rock band, Divinyls. Formed in Sydney in 1980 as part of the blossoming New Wave movement, the Divinyls had their first Australian hit with “Science Fiction” in 1982. The song has since been named one of the Top 30 Australian songs of all time by the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA). The band released just five studio albums in all – four of which charted in Australia, while one, Divinyls, reached #15 in the U.S. thanks to the Top 5 single, “I Touch Myself” and its titillating video. In 1996, Amphlett, who was in a relationship with co-founder and lead guitarist, Mark McEntee, split with him, putting an end to the band’s initial run. Following the break-up, Amphlett pursued acting. She made her debut in the 1982 film Monkey Grip, and later appeared alongside Russell Crowe in the 1988 Australian stage production of Blood Brothers. She went on to play Judy Garland in the original touring production of The Boys From Oz. In 2006, she and McEntee reformed the Divinyls for the ARIA Hall Of Fame ceremony. It was their first performance in a decade. They recorded a yet-to-be-released album around 2007 and continued to perform select dates including the grand finale of 2007’s Australian Idol. That same year, Amplett revealed that she was suffering from Multiple Sclerosis, and in 2010, she disclosed that she was battling breast cancer. Unfortunately, the MS kept her from receiving chemotherapy or radiation treatment which may have prolonged her life. Chrissy Amphlett was 53 when she passed away on April 21, 2013.
Thanks to Harold Lepidus at Bob Dylan Examiner for the assist.
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