Roger McLachlan (15 January 1954 – 17 April 2025) began his musical journey in Riverton, New Zealand, before moving to Australia in the mid-1970s, where he quickly became one of the country’s most respected bassists. As a founding member of Little River Band, he helped shape the group’s distinctive early sound across their first two albums.
Beyond rock, Roger’s bass work spanned film, studio and live performance, including contributing the lyrical opening and groove to John Farnham’s You’re the Voice. His musical curiosity also led him to the pioneering jazz-fusion group Pyramid with David Jones and David Hirschfelder, where his expressive phrasing and rhythmic sensibility enriched the soul of Australian fusion.
What truly defined Roger, however, was his enduring devotion to the blues. From the 1990s onwards, he anchored Geoff Achison & The Souldiggers, his deep, melodic bass lines giving heartbeat and drive to the band’s soulful blend of blues and rock.
Whether locking into a slow shuffle, driving a festival stage, or supporting a quiet moment of improvisation, his playing was always about connection and feel—serving the song and elevating those around him. Roger’s passing on 17 April 2025 left a profound silence in the music world, but his legacy lives on in the countless players he influenced, the groove he perfected, and the generous spirit he brought to every note.