ARIA Hall of Famer Brian Cadd Recovering After ‘Haemorrhagic Stroke’

Brian Cadd, prolific Australian musician and inductee into the ARIA Hall of Fame, is currently showing “early, encouraging signs” of recovery after suffering a “haemorrhagic stroke” last week.

News of Cadd’s condition was shared on the afternoon of Tuesday, April 8 (Australian time), with a statement from his family revealing his current health status. “At the end of last week, our dear Brian suffered a haemorrhagic stroke whilst at home on the Gold Coast,” the statement began.

“Fortunately, he received medical attention quickly and he is currently under the care of the Gold Coast University Hospital. He is stable and his medical team is monitoring his progress and while it will likely be a long road ahead, he is showing early, encouraging signs.

“We’d like to thank the wonderful team looking after him at the Hospital and for everyone’s well wishes,” the statement concluded. “We will keep everyone updated as his condition improves but we kindly request privacy at this critical time.”

78-year-old Cadd was born in Perth, the capital of Western Australia, in 1946, before frequent moves saw him settle in Melbourne, where he became involved with the city’s jazz music scene in the ‘60s.

Cadd would join The Groop in 1964, which achieved constant chart success across their initial five-year run. In 1969, Cadd and bandmate Don Mudie would co-found Axiom, which featured future Little River Band frontman Glenn Shorrock as well.

Axiom would later relocate to the U.S. in 1971, though would split at the end of the year. Cadd released his debut self-titled solo album in 1972, before launching the Bootleg Family Band the following year. The band would last until 1978, achieving chart success with their cover of Loggins and Messina’s “Your Mama Don’t Dance” in 1973.

Cadd continued his solo career throughout the ’70s, signing to Capitol Records and working on records in Los Angeles, with his work ultimately being covers by names such as Bonnie Tyler, the Charlie Daniels Band, and the Pointer Sisters. In 1991, Cadd also joined the Flying Burrito Brothers, performing with them for two years.

In 2007, Cadd was inducted into both the ARIA Hall of Fame and the Australian Songwriter’s Hall of Fame, and in 2018, he was made a Member of the Order of Australia. His most recent album, 2024’s Dream Train, peaked at No. 40 on the ARIA charts.