Singer-songwriter Alistair Hulett,  a great friend of the Australian labour movement, passed away in a Glasgow Hospital on January 28.

As a solo performer and leader of the great Celtic rock group Roaring Jack, Alistair put the stories and struggles of the Australian working class into song.

Born in Glasgow, he grew up in New Zealand and became a folk musician at a young age. He rose to prominence as the wild eyed frontman of Roaring Jack as they built a cult following in the pubs of inner city Sydney in the late 1980s with their raucous live shows. Consistent touring won them fans all around the country.

Alistair was never shy about spruiking his working class-socialist politics from the stage, but always backed his words with action. The band played on picket lines, at fundraisers and put out a single in defence of Tim Anderson, who NSW Police tried to frame for the 1978 Hilton Hotel bombing.

'He Fades Away' (above) Alistair's eulogy for a Wittenoom miner in the grip of asbestosis, is a fine example of his songwriting ability and genuine empathy for victims of capitalism. Like many of his tunes, it continues to be covered by artists, young and old.

Alistair also had a knack for penning a rousing battle cry.  'Lads of the BLF' was a call to support the militant union as it faced deregistration and 'The Thin Red LIne'  a shout of defiance against the right -wing swing of the 1980s.

For more of Alistair's work see http://www.alistairhulett.com/ or www.myspace.com/roaringjack