July 10, 2026

Remembering Andy Bickers

Remembering Andy Bickers

On Friday 10th July 2026, Andy Bickers passed away after a battle with cancer.

I had the privilege of sitting down with Andy for this conversation in 2025. Although we had only just met in person, it quickly felt like two old Kiwi bros catching up over a coffee.

We talked rugby, growing up in New Zealand, moving across the Tasman, and, of course, an extraordinary life in music.

Andy’s career took him from the New Zealand live music scene to stages around the world with Jimmy Barnes, Cold Chisel, Midnight Oil, Don Henley, the Eagles and many others.

But listening back to this conversation, it isn’t only the incredible career that stands out.

It’s Andy’s humour, his warmth, his humility, his intelligence and the genuine gratitude he carried for the life music had given him.

At one point Andy described himself as “the luckiest saxophone player I know.”

The many tributes shared since his passing make it clear that the musicians around him felt just as lucky to know him.

I’m incredibly grateful that this conversation exists, and it is an honour to share it with you again

Thank you for the music, the stories and the laughs. Rest easy, my bro

Stevie.

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On Friday 10th July 2026, Andy Bickers passed away after a battle with cancer.

I had the privilege of sitting down with Andy for this conversation in 2025. Although we had only just met in person, it quickly felt like two old Kiwi bros catching up over a coffee.

We talked rugby, growing up in New Zealand, moving across the Tasman, and, of course, an extraordinary life in music.

Andy’s career took him from the New Zealand live music scene to stages around the world with Jimmy Barnes, Cold Chisel, Midnight Oil, Don Henley, the Eagles and many others.

But listening back to this conversation, it isn’t only the incredible career that stands out.

It’s Andy’s humour, his warmth, his humility, his intelligence and the genuine gratitude he carried for the life music had given him.

At one point Andy described himself as “the luckiest saxophone player I know.”

The many tributes shared since his passing make it clear that the musicians around him felt just as lucky to know him.

I’m incredibly grateful that this conversation exists, and it is an honour to share it with you again

Thank you for the music, the stories and the laughs. Rest easy, my bro

Stevie.

My guest today is Andy Bickers.

Andy is a saxophone player, originally from New Zealand and now living in Australia.

From NZ bands Backdoor Blues Band, Smokeshop and Netherworld Dancing toys, to a long time association with Midnight Oil, a few Eagles gigs here and there, to just recently coming off the road with Cold Chisel on their 5-0 tour…Andy is a session saxophonist, jazz to the roots but a rock n roll attitude. This was an awesome hang. Hope you dig this conversation.

More info on Andy:

This conversation was recorded 25/02/2025

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