Max Merritt was a venerable pioneer of rock in Australasia who produced crowd-pleasing shows for over 50 years.
20 Facts About Max Merritt
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Max Merritt engendered respect and affection over generations of performers.
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In 2020, Max Merritt was inducted into the New Zealand Music Hall of Fame.
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Max Merritt's best known single, "Reet Petite", from September 1964 reached No 1 on the New Zealand charts and No 6 in Melbourne, Australia.
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Max Merritt relocated to Nashville, Tennessee, in 1977 and signed as a solo artist with Polydor Records, which released Keeping in Touch in 1979.
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Max Merritt then moved to Los Angeles, where he continued to reside.
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Max Merritt released singles "Growing Pains" in 1982 and "Mean Green Fighting Machine" in 1986, the second was a promotional single for the Canberra Raiders Rugby League team.
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Max Merritt toured Australia in 1991 with Brian Cadd in the Brian Cadd and Max Merritt Band, which comprised Merritt, Cadd, John Dallimore, Craig Reeves, Des Scott and Dave Stewart.
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In late 1996, Max Merritt returned to Australia to tour the club and pub circuit.
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Max Merritt toured Australia on a short club circuit in April 2001 along with Doug Parkinson, a fellow veteran rocker from the 1960s.
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In mid-April 2007, Max Merritt was admitted to a Los Angeles hospital with symptoms of kidney failure.
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Max Merritt was diagnosed with Goodpasture syndrome, a rare autoimmune disorder that affects the kidneys and lungs.
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Merritt was struggling with his health and finances, so his manager Wal Bishop and Australian music industry friends, organised a Concert for Max benefit held at the Palais Theatre, St Kilda, Victoria, on 21 October 2007 which raised $200,000.
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On 1 July 2008, Merritt was inducted by Glenn A Baker into the ARIA Hall of Fame.
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Max Merritt was joined on stage by Kasey Chambers and Bill Chambers to perform "Slipping Away".
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The lively appearance of New Zealand-born veteran Max Merritt, who has been struggling with illness at his home in Los Angeles, was another highlight.
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Max Merritt sounded terrific last night, aided by the Australian country star Kasey Chambers and her father, Bill, on "Slipping Away".
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Max Merritt was moved to tears by the tribute and his speech was high on emotion.
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Max Merritt died in Los Angeles, California, on 24 September 2020, at age 79,13-years after being diagnosed with Goodpasture syndrome.
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In 2008, Max Merritt was inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame.