AceShowbiz - Tributes continue to pour in from Australia's music and media communities following the death of James Valentine, who passed away at age 64 after choosing voluntary assisted dying at home, two years after a cancer diagnosis, according to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

James Valentine was best known as a saxophonist with the band Models before transitioning into a long and respected career as a broadcaster with ABC. His contributions to both music and media earned him widespread admiration.

Jimmy Barnes, a prominent Australian rock singer, shared a heartfelt tribute via social media, reflecting on their long friendship and Valentine's musical talents. Barnes wrote, "James and I have known each other a long time. He loved music and I heard him play the saxophone many times with the Models. He was a funny and insightful interviewer, and I will miss hearing his gentle voice on ABC radio every afternoon. RIP James. You will be missed."

Similarly, Iva Davies, frontman of Icehouse, expressed deep sorrow in a detailed statement about their decades-long connection. He recalled meeting Valentine in the early 1980s while touring with Models, and noted Valentine’s skillful saxophone performance on Icehouse’s album Code Blue. Davies continued, "His move to be an innovative and much loved broadcaster at Australia's ABC radio network meant we'd cross paths regularly - he was always engaged and fun to be around with a story or anecdote to share. James will be missed by many tens of thousands, by our ICEHOUSE team and by me. We send our heartfelt condolences to his family."

Members of the legendary Australian band INXS also commemorated Valentine, recalling their shared time on the Australian Made tour during the mid-1980s. They described him as an incredible musician and an amazing human being who was always smiling, positive, caring, and involved. Their statement highlighted how their friendship grew during the 1986-87 tour when Valentine was part of Models, and later his involvement with Absent Friends alongside Garry.

The band added, "James later had an amazing career in TV and radio and as a writer - his wit and warmth was loved by everyone. Our sincere condolences to Joanne, Ruby and Roy. Travel safe mate - we miss you."

These tributes underscore the unique duality of Valentine's career, which bridged the worlds of live music performance and broadcasting. As a saxophonist, he notably contributed to Models’ album Out of Mind, Out of Sight, which reached No. 84 on the Billboard 200 chart and featured the single “Out of Mind, Out of Sight,” a track that entered the Billboard Hot 100 in 1986. His musicianship extended across various Australian acts during the 1980s, both as a session and touring musician.

In the later phase of his career, Valentine became a defining voice on ABC radio, hosting programs for over thirty years, including a long-running afternoon show on 702 ABC Sydney. His conversational approach and curiosity-driven interviews helped him build a large national audience, extending his influence beyond music into broader cultural discussions.

Industry voices have emphasized how rare it was for someone to excel both on stage and behind the microphone, making Valentine a distinctive figure in Australia's creative landscape. His passing has also brought renewed recognition of his legacy. Recently, Australia's Governor-General Sam Mostyn confirmed that Valentine had been appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in acknowledgment of his service to music and media.

The widespread response to his death reflects not only his enduring impact as a musician but also the profound connection he built with listeners through his broadcasting career, which spanned decades and touched many lives daily.

James Valentine is survived by his wife and two children, who have received heartfelt condolences from the music and media communities alike.