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Deon Estus, bassist hailed as third member of Wham!, dead at 65

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He was a guitar hero.

Deon Estus, the legendary bassist for George Michael and Wham!, died Monday at age 65. The musician’s passing was confirmed on his official Twitter page, although they did not reveal his cause of death.

“It is with real sadness I post that Deon Estus passed away This Morning,” the post says. “Deon was mostly known as the third member of Wham! Deon was passionate about music and loved interacting with his loyal fans.”

The music icon’s partner Brenda Kaye Pearce also shared the tragic news in a Facebook post, writing: “My dearest, closest partner and significant other of 4 years transitioned and all I can remember is our last conversation the day before. My heart will need time to heal. R.I.P. Deon. Love you forever.”

Jeffery Deon Estus performs during a tribute concert for George Michael at O2 Academy Brixton on June 25, 2019 in London, England.
Jeffery Deon Estus performs during a tribute concert for George Michael at O2 Academy Brixton on June 25, 2019, in London. Redferns

Estus — born Jeffery Dean Estus in Detroit in 1956 — was most famous for playing with Wham! and George Michael. The bass player memorably backed Michael on his 1988 to 1989 “Faith” tour and continued to play bass with his band until the UK pop star’s tragic death in 2016.

Estus also collaborated with Michael on the 1989 hit “Heaven Help Me,” which reached No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 in April of that year, and appeared on the bassist’s lone studio album, “Spell.”

During his illustrious career, Estus played with many icons of the music world, including Marvin Gaye, Tina Turner, Annie Lennox, Frank Zappa and Elton John.

The music world flocked to social media to celebrate the guitar great’s life.

“V. sad news today of Deon Estus’ death,” tweeted Andrew Ridgeley, co-founder of Wham! “A lavishly gifted bass guitarist, a charismatic & impish character & a rock of the WHAM! rhythm section.”

He added, “He lives large in the memory, he radiated warmth, humor & life’s illuminating light, my heartfelt commiserations go out to his family.”

Amii Stewart and Deon Estus, January 15th 1986.
Amii Stewart and Deon Estus on Jan. 15 1986. Getty Images

Wham! backing singer and Pepsi & Shirlie member Shirlie Kemp also took to Twitter to offer her condolences, writing: “Shocked to hear the passing of such a lovely man. Spent so many years with Deon touring with Wham. God Bless..RIP.”

“RIP to soulful pioneer Deon Estus,” wrote New Orleans artist DJ Soul Sister. “Many know him as the integral, vet bassist w/Wham and George Michael. I know him as the killer young bassist with Brainstorm … in ‘78 & ‘79.

“In recent years, he was a beloved added member of the reunited Switch,” she added. “May he rest well.”