Former bass player for Wham! and George Michael, Deon Estus, has passed away aged 65.
The beloved musician died October 11, with a tweet from Deon's official Twitter account confirming the news.
The tweet reads: "It is with real sadness I post that Deon Estus passed away this morning. Deon was mostly known as the third member of Wham! Deon was passionate about music and loved interacting with his loyal fans."
Following the news, nostalgic Dublin fans are recalling Deon's time spent in their city.
The musician moved to to Dublin in 1982 to work with Phil Lynott. While in the city, Deon was approached by Dick Leahy, George Michael’s publisher, who wanted him to work with George on some songs that he had written.
Old interview footage shows Deon recall the experience. He says, "When I was in Dublin, I got a call from George Michael's publisher.
"He told me he had a young man who was writing songs and who he wanted me to get together with."
Deon then flew to London to meet with George.
"We just had one meeting and that's when everything started."
He co-wrote the hit 1989 song Heaven Help Me with Michael that appeared on the album Spell.
Deon was also a very in-demand session player during his career, playing for people like Tina Turner, Elton John and Annie Lennox.
Tributes have been pouring in for Deon since the announcement of his passing. 80s singer and actor Martin Kemp wrote on Twitter, "Farewell to my friend.
"His bass playing helped create the sound of the 80s. A brilliant talent."
During Christmas in 2016 the talented bassist mourned the loss of George Michael.
Deon told Billboard at the time, Estus said: “I’m still in shock. It hasn’t quite hit me yet, but it helps to talk about it and to think about all those fantastic tours, all those records, all the people he’s helped and all the things he’s done, which is a lot. I was blessed to have known him.”
In late 2018, Estus was part of a tribute concert to mark the late George’s 56th birthday.
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