2025 Obit: Vale Guy Ghouse, Australian guitarist

Subject: Obit: Vale Guy Ghouse, Australian guitarist
From: GerryM
Date: 21 Nov 25 - 07:00 AM

Guy Ghouse, Australian guitarist, has died, age 56, after a two-year battle with cancer. Ghouse is best known for his collaboration with Gina Williams, Aboriginal singer and songwriter. The duo produced four albums of songs in the Noongar language of Western Australia. Article on the ABC website, https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-11-21/wa-musician-guy-ghouse-dies/106038466

Subject: RE: 2025 Obit: Vale Guy Ghouse, Australian guitarist
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 21 Nov 25 - 10:44 AM

From the link above:

WA musician Guy Ghouse dies, aged 56, after cancer battle

Western Australian musician Guy Ghouse has died at the age of 56 after a two year battle with cancer. Mr Ghouse, who was best known for his musical partnership with Indigenous singer Gina Williams, became a Member of the Order of Australia in June.

Mr Ghouse's performing career took him all over the world, and he was also a respected music teacher and mentor to other artists. The guitarist began performing with Ms Williams in 2010, igniting a partnership that garnered numerous awards and critical acclaim.

The duo released four albums in the Noongar language from WA's south-west and won Indigenous Act of the Year six times at WA's Music Industry Awards. Mr Ghouse co-composed works for opera, theatre and festivals.

Mr Ghouse was born in Perth to Malaysian-born parents who arrived in Australia on a cargo ship.

The news of his death was revealed in a social media post on Friday afternoon. "It is with the deepest of sadness that we announce that Guy Ian Ghouse AM took his last breath, surrounded by the love of his family this morning," it read. "He was an adored son, brother, husband and father. His contribution to community will resonate for generations to come.

"Guy's loss will be felt far and wide. Those who were lucky enough to experience his skill and craft as a guitar player up close will all agree — there was none better. "For those who were lucky enough to share his vision of music composition through performing his many varied works — none were more creative."

The post said Mr Ghouse had "battled the worst of cancers for close to two years". "Through all of that time, he never complained and he continued to work until as recently as two weeks ago," it read.

Perth music journalist Bob Gordon, a friend of Mr Ghouse, said his death was "everyone's loss" and described him as a "a brilliant musician and a brilliant man".

"He was a very kind and talented man," Mr Gordon told ABC Radio Perth. He was a pretty big guy with a big heart."

Mr Gordon said Mr Ghouse had an "ability on guitar that was second to none", and was a man with an "amazing sense of humour" who loved dad jokes.

Subject: RE: 2025 Obit: Vale Guy Ghouse, Australian guitarist
From: JennieG
Date: 21 Nov 25 - 03:47 PM

Saw Guy Ghouse at the NFF in Canberra a couple of years ago, and was blown away by his guitar talent. Thanks for the music, Guy.

Subject: RE: 2025 Obit: Vale Guy Ghouse, Australian guitarist
From: Helen
Date: 21 Nov 25 - 04:21 PM

I am ashamed to admit that I had never heard of Guy Ghouse until I read the ABC (Oz) article yesterday. I'll check out some of his music, starting with this video:

Gina Williams and Guy Ghouse "Moon River" in Noongar language performed at Cygnet Folk Festival in Tasmania.

(Hubby & I went to a Cygnet festival about 20 years ago. Loved it! We drove up to the top of Tassie for the George Town Folk Festival the following weekend.)

Subject: RE: 2025 Obit: Vale Guy Ghouse, Australian guitarist
From: Waddon Pete
Date: 23 Nov 25 - 11:21 AM

Like Helen, I had never heard of Guy Ghouse either. The Internet supplied more details of his life and achievements however. He was clearly a very important man who meant a lot to many people. I have added his name to the "In Memoriam" thread and, as ever, send my condolences to all those who know and love him. RIP