Hey Hey It's Saturday star dies suddenly
Australian drummer Desmond 'Animal' McKenna, famous for being the drummer for the Hey Hey It's Saturday band, has died in Thailand where he had been living since the mid 1990s.
Desmond's brother Brian announced the news on social media, writing: 'So sad. Sorry to say that my brother Des "Animal" McKenna died last night in Thailand. He was a saviour and huge inspiration to me. Remembering all the wonderful times.'
He was a regular guest on the variety show, which celebrated its 50th anniversary earlier this month, playing alongside Red Symons, Wilbur Wilde and Daryl McKenzie.
Singer Joe Camilleri also paid tribute, writing: 'Des "Animal" McKenna has gone ahead… we had fun playing music and listening to jazz… so with a heavy heart I will give Pharaoh Sanders Floating Points a spin and think of the times we shared.'
Did you watch the Hey Hey 50th anniversary special? What did you think of the show?
I loved the Hey Hey It's Saturday 50th Anniversary show! Brought back so many funny memories.
This is the sort of show we need now. The general news is so soul destroying, we need something happy to focus on. The "silliness" of Hey Hey, and taking a comedic look at ourselves, was so heartwarming and hilarious. Wish these sorts of shows were back on the tv!!!