Singer And Songwriter Brett Walker Dies

AOR singer-songwriter Brett Walker has died on the eve of a new album release, it’s been confirmed. The news has come just a day after the launch details of Straight Jacket Vacation were announced.

But his label AOR Heaven will release it as planned at the end of August, as his widow believes that’s what he would have wanted.

Walker is perhaps best known for penning 1991 Alias song Waiting For Love, which was his first international hit and gained him a BMI Award. He also worked with Jonathan Cain, Jim Peterik, Nick Gilder and others, and created music for film and TV.

AOR Heaven boss Georg Siegl says in a statement: “In deep mourning and dismay, we received the tragic information that Brett sadly has passed away.

“It seems a bit bizarre that this blessed musician is no longer with us. Brett was full of energy and thirst for action, and was looking forward to the release of his new album, as well as live performance at the coming Melodic Rockfest in Chicago.

“We will do our best to treat Brett Walker’s musical legacy with dignity and the appreciation he deserves. At the same time, we wish his wife Sheron and his three children the necessary power to hurdle this stroke of fate.”

Among the tributes on the MelodicRock.com website is a comment from collaborator Jeff Paris, who says: “Brett was a true Renaissance genius. He mastered all aspects of music performance and production.

“I will never forget co writing Waiting for Love with him. We were so in the zone -– so flowing, even while making the demo. He inspired me with his willingness to do anything to make it killer.

“I do feel that, as Mick Jones said, he was striving to send shivers down his own spine, and fame was something to be earned by good work. Maybe it can still happen for him.”