Anyone who had the pleasure of chatting and laughing with Pete Lusty almost definitely discovered what a genuine person is like. Our band met Pete around four years ago at the back of the Lansdown in Sydney when he wanted to see if we were good enough to offer a record deal. It turned out we were good enough, and he never forgot to remind us. At the time, my strategy with industry people was try and ”out-cool” them, which to be honest is usually pretty easy - but Pete had me trumped from the start. He had the swagger and candid sensibility of a truly wise cat, coupled with a charisma and charm of a true rock ‘n roller. On top of his golden persona he looked like one of the crew members for Supergrass and always dressed impeccably – he simply had both the walk and the talk. Pete was a funny bastard too. He once joined in and signed one of our records for a fan when Zac was missing. The kid didn’t say a word, and neither did Pete - he just shook the kid’s hand and said “thanks for coming”. What I’d do to get that record back. It is an absolute injustice to have such a resonating good taken from the world before its time and there is no more of a valid example of this than Pete – he was truly one of the greats. We will forever be indebted to what that man did for us and he will always be on our journey as a welcome reminder of optimism.“

A Swayze & the Ghosts

I met Pete 24 years ago when I was wide eyed music lawyer and he a music lawyer, band manager, artist and dare I say, provocateur… Like many, it took me a while to get my bearings with Pete. He was intimidatingly cool with a sense of humour which left you in both hysterics and utter confusion as to whether he actually liked you. But I was lucky enough to represent his bands, we became friends and I went on to have the pleasure of working closely with him for the next 20+ years with Ivy League. Because Pete was not a self-promoter I don’t think many outside his immediate sphere appreciated all that he achieved or was. He played a huge part in breaking Australian bands (big ones) internationally, at a time when very few had. He was weapon for signing artists to Ivy League for 20 years and his the music knowledge, vision and guts to tell an artist “no”, lead to much of their success. His success and character distilled from a unique blend of intelligence, strategy, aesthetic, charisma, humour, patience, tenacity and sheer oddness… I learnt so much from Pete and often ask myself now what would Pete do…. Although Pete’s passing was coming, it was such a shock for so many and one year on it feels unresolved and just fucking sad. I miss him so much.

Chris Maund

I’ve tried to write this for Pete so many times but just couldn’t find the words.

Fact is I’ve been trying to find the words for a year now..
So here goes...

Pete cooked the steaks.
I made the salads.
He always popped a strawberry into Georgia’s champagne glass & one for Ree as well.

Our daughter Elke used play with Fiddy when they were little & years later Pete was so proud to be a dad again to Kitty.

He was so happy then & loved Georgia so much.

He was kind and generous and always believed in me , as I did him.

There was no one quite like him , as all of these beautiful tributes attest.

I really miss him.

I’d like to send love to everyone who’s hurting , especially Georgia & the kids❤️
and his dear friends Andy , Andy & James.

Love

Kram

I had the great honour of working with Pete for almost a decade. As a boss and mentor, Pete was all about empowering you to take the lead. He trusted you, your ideas and your potential. If he saw you were passionate about something and had something to offer, he was the first to stand aside and give you the push to get that ball rolling - he was always behind you with encouraging words and advice. I always remember Pete's smile and the way he would burst into a room breakdancing or with a ridiculous salutation that would just set you off into a fit of laughter. I miss our silly late night texts and sarcastic exchanges. I miss his incredibly dry wit cutting through awkwardness. He was unique, kind, hilarious and patient to no end. I will miss him forever.

Marihuzka Cornelius - Ivy League Records

I still remember the first time I saw John Reed Club play live in 1997 and several times after, they were exciting, cool as fuck and ahead of their time. I really wanted to sign them. One of the first times we hung out was after a show at Andy Mac's warehouse in Melbourne CBD, no one lived in the CBD in that era!! I was totally intimidated by Pete's quiff, style, sharp wit, intellectual dialogues and bizarre humour. People were often drawn to his unique and mesmerising character. But of course Pete was effortless to be around. A great communicator, a dedicated publisher and manager, inclusive, a great story teller and heaps of fun.

Not long after I was lucky to be working with Pete, Andy and Andy in a joint venture with Ivy League Music and Mushroom Music. We shared too many live shows, Awards nights, drinks, dinners, lunches and meetings to mention. For the 22 years we worked together, Pete never missed a beat. His ability to pick talented artists/songwriters early, his passion for music or just being a punter and fan stands out above anyone I know. It's a palpable loss. We miss you and your ways Pete.

Our thoughts and big love to Georgia and the kids, Andy Kelly & Andy Cassell. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

Linda Bosidis & all at Mushroom Music Publishing

I first met Pete when his band John Reed Club signed to EMI a very long time ago. I was given the unenviable task of telling him that it was an 'indie signing' so there was really no budget for the band. It was a shaky start but somehow we overcame this and (I think!) we both had great respect for each other, but what i respect most was watching the friendship and abilities of Pete, Andy & Andy and their passion for their label and management company, sending lots of love on this day.

Cathy Oates

Pete came into my world round 1996. Like me, he had just moved to Sydney from Canberra. Unlike me, and other people I knew, he had a kind of mod/punk toughness about him. He was into bands like Fugazi. It felt like he had a secret knowledge. He was just slightly intimidating. As it turned out, tough Pete was an incredibly good person to have on your side.
When I moved in with him (and Andy Cassell and Cameron Emerson-Elliott) in a terrace house in Darlington I discovered that beneath the toughness was an inexhaustible generosity and unrelenting sense of humour. It took a little while to work out, but everything was a joke with Pete, or could be made into one.
Pete had the biggest room in the house – the one with the balcony – but it also functioned as the Ivy League/W&G office equipped with the very latest in fax machines, and was also the John Reed Club hq/recording studio. Pete’s room was everyone’s room. His stuff was everyone’s stuff. It seemed to always be where the action was happening. He had a 4-track cassette recorder (before anyone else I knew had one) which I used all the time – sitting at his desk with headphones on – starting to work out how to write and record songs. He was always encouraging with this , and always happy to share.
Pete also had a Rickenbacker guitar which he used to play endlessly sitting on his bed, back against the wall, but without an amp. You could often hear the sound of thin punk-y riffs drifting out of his bedroom. Pete was an intellectual about music – clever, always thinking, strategising about songs, chopping and changing things. I remember the early JRC song ‘Destroyer’ being played over and over again – the experiments drifting out of the upstairs bedroom.
Flash forward 7 years. Ivy League records and Winterman and Goldstein Mgt have gone international. My band Youth Group have been lucky enough to have been with them since the very beginning. Andy, Andy and Pete are our A&R, our managers, our everything. We are working on our 2nd album. Pete hears the rough mixes and calls me to tell me that he reckons I can do better – write another song or two to put on the album. I go “ok, fine!” and after probably storming around a bit furious for a bit, I channel some of that feeling into writing some new songs. One of which is Skeleton Jar, which becomes the title track of our record. That song is one of the many, many things I have to be grateful to Pete for.
That was Pete though, challenged you to be better, to be cooler. I always got the feeling that he thought there was no reason why his bands couldn’t be as good as any other in the world. That is a rare commodity, especially in Australia. It was an amazing thing to have that belief, and to have Pete on your side.

Toby Martin - Youth Group

I first met Pete with the 2 Andy’s after signing JET’s publishing in the early days, he immediately struck me as one of the most shrewd and intelligent operators in the music business but it was only after repeated interactions with him did I realise that he was also amongst the funniest and kindest.

Pete always took the time to speak to me when I was learning the business, he was generous with his time and unselfish with his knowledge.

Pete and I drove from LA to Coachella together in 2018 and it remains one of my fondest music business memories. I’m so appreciative that we got to spend this time together talking about music, friends and life but mainly about how much we loved our families.

I miss Pete every day, he was an amazing business person and an even better friend.

There is no doubt that Pete Lusty shaped the music executive and man I’ve become and I’m eternally thankful that we crossed paths so many times on this big old planet.

Love you Pete! X

Heath Johns - BMG

What makes the truly one-of-a-kind type of people exactly who they are? A couple of pallets of belief, pedal to the floor drive, swaggering intelligence, and unique, telescopic vision. Pete had all this and so much more. Kindness, kick-ass style and unflinching loyalty. And as a few of you have already alluded to, he was goddam funny. Oh man, really funny…

I was lucky enough to have Pete come into my life at a critical juncture. Study in the rear-view mirror and long neck in hand, I wanted to move forward musically. How? Where? Pete and the two Andy’s gave Saab the road map. Demo, gig, record, publish. Keep going. Aim higher. Third verse? How about the Tele through the Fender Twin? You guys good for Melbourne next month? So many (Erskineville) nights staring at four walls trying to nail the chorus. It was exciting to be in Pete’s orbit and it spurred me on.

To George, Fiddy, Kitty, James, Andy C, Andy K and Pete’s family, I’m truly sorry for your loss. We lost one of the greats.

Ben Nash - 78 Saab

Pete made everything brighter. More hilarious and more exciting. Always willing to go a bit further. At work. At play. With his ideas. Or with his witty comments. But that was his charm; you never knew what was coming next, but you wanted to be along for the ride. I was lucky enough to be a small part of his adventures through our work with Cloud Control and Alpine in America. I'll miss the NYC high fives, the SXSW gig hopping, and the random emails and calls to discuss the bizarre and the brilliant. You are missed Pete.

Jessica Johnson

It seemed Pete kind of knew I needed him before I even did. He happened to reach out asking about The Sleepy Jackson's management status right as I had just let go of my current manager.

It was February, 2005 and the timing really couldn't have been more perfect.

Not wanting to seem too eager, I played it cool and a little hard to get. Organised a trip over to Sydney to meet with a few candidates, Pete included.

The first guy turned up to our Bill's coffee date in shorts and carrying a backpack. All that was missing was the socks and sandals.

Needless to say we weren't really off to a flying start and the playing hard to get card was looking like an error of judgement.

Pete's email read:

We'd love to meet up at 11am. Our address is 29 Liberty Street Enmore. It is more like Newtown. 

It's a big old terrace house on the corner. So there I was, 11am, Enmore kind of Newtown at the door of a big old corner terrace house.

Then out walked the coolest cat. A sharp tailored suit, crisp shirt, and that iconic jet black mod hair along with a whirlwind of wit and a cheeky sense of humor. I knew I had found my man.

 That day we began the most amazing journey with Pete. He not only became a manager but a great friend along with his beautiful wife Georgia.

His knowledge of music and business was incredible and he was always there with advice from tax, to investment to how to mix a martini to helping pick up the pieces when things went south.

The journey saw us through The Sleepy Jackson’s crazy recording and touring days to taking on the world in incredible fashion with Empire Of The Sun. 

Pete with his iconic hair and satchel were there every step of the way.

Pete was always very patient, personable, very composed and stood as a calm minder amongst it all.

The amount of times he came to my rescue is too many to mention. He seemed to know when I was about to fall.

 He saw me at all times, at the height of success to the lowest of lows. Pete stood strong as my manager but also my friend. His legendary emails and sense of humor cut through it all.

So thank you Pete.

So blessed that our paths crossed in the most spectacular way.

It was one helluva ride. 

Much Respect

Luke Steele 

Luke Steele - Sleepy Jackson, Empire of the Sun

I remember meeting Pete for the first time (before I signed with Ivy League) and thought to myself “This guy is so mysteriously cool and unassuming that he has to be the guy I need to impress to seal the deal” :) . Sadly I didn’t get much hang time with Pete but he was always thoughtful in his texts and emails to me around releases that I genuinely felt appreciated for my art. I also know for a fact he had a lot to do with my career because often Andy C would say to me “let me give Pete call” anytime we got stumped with a decision and by the sounds of it that was Pete, the go to guy. All always be beyond thankful that I got to work alongside a human like Pete.

Kyle Lionhart

How do you set about writing a tribute that you never dreamed you’d have to write? How do you sum up Pete Lusty?

I first met Pete through Andy Cassell around 1995. Andy C had recently moved up to Sydney from Canberra with his band Birdseed, and Pete was starting his own band, The John Reed Club with James Roden and Cameron Emerson-Elliot. We met at a pub in Paddington, and I don’t think I’ve ever been more confused by a first impression in my life.

Sporting a jet-black quiff, massive sideburns, and sporting a Stagg leather jacket teamed with a Breton shirt, Pete viewed the world through slightly glassy, narrowed eyes that were set deep into an exotically handsome visage. Words snuck out of his mouth in a soft cadence that I had to lean in to hear, pushing through the cigarette smoke curling up from his Marlboro.

‘Is this guy being friendly, or is he taking the piss out of me?’ I wondered. I liked him, but I couldn’t yet work out if the feeling was mutual. He was intriguing, and not cut from the usual cloth.

Was he speaking with an accent? Conversation got caught in the blue light hanging over our booth, and sometimes Pete’s words floated up into its soft pall so I’d lose what he was saying. When this happened I just nodded along, hoping I wasn’t agreeing to something I’d regret later. He asked a lot of questions: Where did I live? What kind of bass did I have? Did I write songs? Did I know who booked certain venues? All these questions were asked with a conspiratorial lean-in, like he knew I was sitting on a secret (I wasn’t, I didn’t know the answers to at least half of the questions). My responses were met with an understated response. ‘Cool’ he’d say, taking a drag on his cigarette. Hang on…does he really think it’s cool? Was he taking an interest, taking the piss, or compiling a dossier? It was a mixture of all three, as it happens. He was absorbing everything, wanting to learn something new, and apply it to the next chapter, all the while treating everything as a slightly absurd game that he nonetheless planned to win, quietly.

Pete (along with Andy) swept me up into a world of music, massive ambition and fun that I wouldn’t have been remotely capable of being a part of on my own. He changed my life. How can you ever thank someone for that?

Pete’s humour was so multi-layered it was like a tiramisu, although at times a tiramisu contained less alcohol than Pete at the time he was leaning in and repeating the joke for a third time in four minutes whilst a band played in front of us. He was uniquely hilarious.

When I need to do something important, I often think of Pete’s famous triple-threat method of communication: texting, then calling, and then emailing about the same thing, all within 60 seconds. It’s a helpful motivational tool, one I used to respond to as quickly as I could, mainly to make it stop (which I’m sure was the result he was after)

Text: ‘Hey dude, would be cool if u could do thing we spoke about ASAP. Call me! Ta.’

Voicemail: ‘ANDREW! Call me!!’

Email: Subject header with red exclamation mark: “ANDREW! CALL ME!!!!!!!!”

God, I wish I could. I miss you Pete. x

Andy Kelly

Three piece powder blue suit, side-burns and bright blue eyes walked straight out of the 70's and into our lives guiding us into and through extraordinary adventures. Pete was an enigmatic icon, funny, ridiculous and the epitome of cool. When you were around Pete you knew there would be a story to tell the next day. He made things happen. He created and curated a life that was less than ordinary. We were incredibly lucky to get caught in Pete's orbit, what a ride it was. Outrageous and wonderful memories that will last a lifetime. Here's to that magic man

Lou James & Phoebe Baker – Alpine

Pete was one of a kind that left a huge and unique mark on the music industry through his music and the many artists he championed. We’re so grateful for his belief in us and our music, and are truly lucky to be counted as one of those bands. While he is sorely missed by all of us, this raucous track is just one of the many things that keeps his incredible legacy kicking on.

Tiny Little Houses

I was so intimated by Pete after I first met him, he was so handsome, always looked impeccable and oozed so much cool. I eventually worked with him on Empire Of The Sun when I was at EMI and I soon realised how fucking awesome he was. He always had me in stitches, and was such a dedicated, smart and loyal person that never gave up on a good idea. He was also very caring and and considerate and often spoke about his family which is something I really loved about him. I miss seeing him at the office and at gigs, and whenever I see a guy with a cross body bag I think of him. Miss you Lusty!

Di Vidovic

It took me a few years to realise that Pete was not quite as frightening as I thought! He was fiercely intelligent and a true music fanatic, as a musician as well as an industry leader. I owe my start in music to Pete and the IL team

Josh Pyke

Reading and enjoying the many wonderful tributes to Pete is true testimony to his impact on so many people inside and outside of music.
I'm sorry I'm struggling with the right words at this time but his loss is being felt both far and wide and his spirit lives on in the music he made, and helped others to make.

Warren Costello

A wonderful man, hilarious bastard and true music lover... Pete Lusty was nothing if not one of a kind. I am lucky to have known Pete throughout university years (what was with the Canberra/Newcastle connection, anyway?) and loved hanging out at so many share houses and John Reed Club gigs in our early twenties. The fact he went on to achieve so much in short a short time is testament to his determination and sheer doggedness when it came to good music. Much missed by all who loved him.

Samantha Clode - Mushroom Music

I first met Peter Lusty when Blue Murder and Winterman & Goldstein had offices next door to each other in an old flour mill in Newtown back in the early 2000's. I had worked with Andy Kelly at Shock Records and thought W&G might want to avail themselves of the cheap office space on our floor that had a bird's-eye views of a bird-shit caked carport. We had to walk through the W&G office to get to our office so Chris Moses and I came to know Andy C, Andy K & Pete very well, we mostly kept the door between our offices open and would share information, ideas, contacts, and more importantly electrical outlets and laughs. Pete was often the last to leave and would work until late into the evening which is when I became very familiar with not only his ironic sense of humour, dry wit and laconic, deadpan delivery but his erudite and considerate intelligence. I know it's been said by many here and elsewhere but Pete truly was a unique individual and great company to boot. He was always present, generous, even tempered and extraordinarily funny. Plus he was a gentleman. It was disarming. The camaraderie and friendship Andy C, Andy K & Pete shared was enviable and rare. Of the many lines of Pete's that I enjoy: when he would go backstage at one of his band's gigs after they had played and were all sweaty and stoked and enquire straight faced "what time do you go on?".

Dianne Meyer

Pete always credited me for being the first radio DJ to play and support the John Reed Club. He never forgot that.
Years later when I was living in London, we ended up on an almighty big night out seeing some Aussie bands with some Brit Mushroom folk.
Pete and I had years to catch up on. He was kicking goals with the 2 Andy's, Jet and the Vines and all the other bands on the roster who were making their mark felt in the UK. I was super pleased and proud for him.
We must have gone to a dozen venues that night. I can still see him with his shoulder bag slung oh so casually over a tight fitting blue blazer and those jet black lamb chop sideburns and quiff. Man, he had style.
I found him aloof at times but he always cut straight to the chase. You knew where you stood.
He was probably one of the few music guys who didn't do social media so we lost contact over the years but I was always aware of his latest signings, releases and tours.
My last memory of him is bittersweet.
We were at a music function in Sydney which I was hosting. I was 8 months pregnant and emotional but I remember how happy I was to see Pete again. I can look back now and recognise he may not have been 100% health wise but he kept that himself.
We made plans to catch up but of course, we never did.
His death hit me, not because we were particularly close but because he was such an integral part of the music community.
I had watched his rise from band member to key player and respected manager and record label mogul and his knack for signing and working with such talented artists was admirable. We had an unspoken regard and admiration for each other.
With the 2 Andy's, Pete helped shape the last couple of decades of Australian music and certainly in my Channel [V] days, those artists were the soundtrack to my working life.
I can still see him on the set of Recovery back in 98, playing guitar with the John Reed Club... those sideburns and the tight blue body shirt. Total style.

Jane Gazo

When Josh and I first met Pete and Andy Cassell, little did we know (besides Josh needing his appendix taken out straight afterwards) that they would help shape a period of our lives into being one of the most exciting, and unforgettable. Being just naive ratbags at the time, we had no idea that we were about to have the funnest, wildest and most amazing lifetime experience you could imagine.
We were quickly wrapped up in what was the Ivy League and Winterman and Goldstein world.
Our times spent with Pete are still really vivid, but really hard to write down, because when I recall them, I can still see him looking into my eyes. So I'm just going to write a few moments in brief and leave it here for now.

Britt and Josh - Neon

Pete was both a mod and a rocker, and - when it suited him - a mocker too. I first met him and Andy & Andy in London in 2002 as the Vines went supernova and we quickly became friends. I mean, how would you not? Their collective humour was infectious and inviting, you were part of their gang before the first beer was sunk.

Much of what happened that year didn't feel like 'proper' work (well, apart from all the terrible bits). Pete never seemed phased by anything, which was pretty incredible considering the craziness that accompanied the Vines and then Jet. He was a brilliant manager, and had the most underrated quality for a someone in that roll - the ability to appear innocent, even naive, whilst always having a steely precision in everything he did.

When Pete moved to London, we hung out a lot at the Social - his office was just round the corner - and we continued to meet in the same spot whenever he came back through town later on regardless of the fact that our rolls had changed and we were unlikely to work on anything together again. Even better, could just get on with the fun stuff. The Social has been shut since Pete died so I've not been able to pay a proper tribute, stood in the upstairs room, halfway up the bar. Shots and beer chasers. "We like that."

Robin Turner

I worked with Pete on a few acts/projects, particularly during his last few years - and really enjoyed his creativity, mischief, strategic thinking and (well-earned) self-belief. More than anything I appreciated the pleasure he seemed to take in his work - the twinkle in his eyes being more meaningful knowing now what he must have been navigating personally.

Julian Hewitt

While I wish very much that I could have known Peter earlier and for longer, as we met late in his illness, it was obvious that he was a remarkable man in intellect, in humanity, and in humor. We miss him very much in Boston still...

Dr. Philippe Armand

I met Pete and G when I lived opposite them In Rockwall Crescent Potts Point . Georgia and I became fast friends as we both had baby boys the same age . What stays with me is Pete's dedication to his family . A truly stand out and ever present Dad and husband that never ran out of energy or enthusiasm .
I know Pete as Georgia and he were so merged , to know one was to know the other .
G will never allow your light to fade . You will be front and center in her heart forever .

Virginia Fielding

Jessica’s opening “Pete made everything brighter” resonates for me even though I never knew him. Though Georgia has had to courageously find her way without him this last year I’ve seen that brightness shine when she mentions him even through the pain. That brightness lives on in her and Pete’s children and I know he is immensely proud that she still somehow manages to bring his smile to our world. You are sorely missed Pete. Be assured you live on.

Cathy Mathews

So hard to know where to start and end… I was lucky to meet the Andys in a pub in London maybe 20 years ago over some independent record label business. Likeminded labels, likeminded friends. Met Pete through them and I think I became his 'bit on the side' - Petes ‘other' business partner that was based in London and then Los Angeles. Pete and I shared an office, managed many artists together, had literally thousands of meetings, phone calls, blackberry messengers, texts over the space of about 12 years and I believe that together we earned together a grand total of about ten grand. We were so unsuccessful as a partnership but man we were charismatic !!! Business wise believed in each other as judges of everything we did, and that was a real honour to share that belief with such a smart and successful man. When he was back in Oz, we would often jump at the chance to arrange a trip to hang out, dinners, shows, any excuse really - he would come to London or LA and would stay at my place or we’d be sharing a hotel room in Utah or Palm Springs or somewhere… always turning up with a bag of mini Toblerone and a bottle of Dimple. So many of those trips have worthy Pete stories that I still telling.. man, they will make you belly laugh.
We wore suits and went to the Grammys together as nominees, played charades with Steve Buscemi, sang numerous duets at karaoke bars and ran across freeway's in the snow while drunk - like many, I just found Pete’s sense of humor so fascinating and squeamish all at once - I giggled like a kid around Pete. He was a like best friend from school that I only met later in life.

God, thinking now, so much of that time i was just waiting for Pete just to get dressed or ready to leave the house… hours upon hours of it. Then he’d appear all of a sudden, bag over shoulder, "cmon doood” he’d say and roll his eyes - at me!

When they are ready, I cant wait to tell Fiddy & Kitty all about their amazing, brave, hilarious dad.
Georgia and Pete forever xx

Jamie Davis