Divinyls Lead Singer Chrissy Amphlett Dead at 53

Chrissy Amplett, the lead singer of the Australian rock band Divinyls, died at her home in New York City at the age of 53.

“Christine Joy Amphlett succumbed to the effects of breast cancer and multiple sclerosis, diseases she vigorously fought with exceptional bravery and dignity,” her husband Charley Drayton said in a statement.

“Chrissy’s light burns so very brightly. Hers was a life of passion and creativity. She always lived it to the fullest. With her force of character and vocal strength, she paved the way for strong, sexy, outspoken women,” he added.

Amplett founded the Divinyls in 1980 with Mark McEntee in Sydney.  Between 1982 and 1996 the band would release six albums, but it would be the single “I Touch Myself” that would shoot the band into the international spotlight in 1991.  The single reached #1 on the Australian singles chart, while peaking at #4 and #10 in the United States and Great Britain, respectively.

After the group disbanded in 1997 they would not play again until 2006 when they were inducted into the Australian Recording Industry Association Hall of Fame.

Russell Crowe, a close friend to Amplett, wrote on Twitter, “Dear Chrissie, The last time I saw you was in the Botanic Gardens, loving life and reciting verse. That’s how I’ll remember you, your boy, R.”