We received a note from Australian grassers The Stetson Family with news that their mandolinist, Andy Carswell, had passed away in mid-March after a three year bout with cancer.
Both Andy and the band had made an effort to keep his health situation under wraps during treatment, and he had continued to perform with them whenever possible until his death.
The band shared this loving remembrance March 15 online…
It’s with the heaviest of hearts that we say farewell to our little buddy and mandolin player who passed away on the weekend.
Along with everyone who knew Andy, we’re reeling that he’s gone too soon – way too soon. We’re also feeling absolutely blessed to have had Andy in our lives, as a friend, to play music with, to write with, tour with, and just to hang out with, ‘cause Andy was one of the best people you could come across. He was one of the loveliest, most talented and cheekiest guys you’d ever meet – one of those people who, as an adult, you could still see the child in him (it was a pretty cheeky but adorable child). He was intelligent, sensitive and compassionate – and his blistering sense of humour regularly had us in stitches with his unique take on the world.
The Stetson Family will never be the same without you, ol’ Eck. Your songs will continue to be sung and your smile and your laughter and wit will be with us wherever we are, and we’ll selfishly mourn your passing ‘cause we just loved having you around.
Our love and thoughts are with the love of his life Carolyne and his canine kids, Stan & Reg.
We’ll see you ridin’ in the western sky, Andy…
Love always, Nad, John, Swanny and Richo x
R.I.P., Andy Carswell
