We have received a number of conflicting emails. Sadly, the main key detail was that Norm Sweeney had finally succumbed to cancer and passed away. Apparently Norm died at 8pm Friday night 26th June, almost the last of Australia's true pioneer roadies. Born in 1945, Norm was one of five boys in the family. He was perhaps the more reserved, softly-spoken one. Norm remained, always polite and seemingly unaffected by the excessive demands sometimes imposed by the odd ruthless manager or agent. To Norm, it was always about the band. As we have always been led to believe, Norm's surname is spelt Swiney (Scottish) but everybody in the industry spelt it ‘Sweeney’. Perhaps he just couldn't be stuffed correcting anybody or perhaps that's how the family always spelt it and the Swiney thing was just a gag. We'll probably never find out.

Norm at "Long Way to The Top" concert (Aug. 2002). This photo was typical of Norm in his later years. The Indian beads and stuff.

Norm started back in the sixties and has worked or socialised with almost everybody in the industry. Let’s face it, if you didn't know Norm, you hadn't been there.

Billy Thorpe certainly knew Norm. They had enjoyed a friendship that lasted almost 40 odd years. They had an off-on business relationship but Norm was loyal to Thorpie until their final days. Billy probably summonsed Norm from ‘above’ because he needed him urgently to get those bloody guitars in tune!

"It's a tough life but some of us chose to live it" and Norm was certainly among those who made that choice. On yer mate. Just wish there were more like you.

We have been informed that Norm's funeral will be a private family affair. It's suggested a wake for him will be organised later on in Sydney.

What can you say about Norm, one of the original & legendry roadies from the 60's. He worked for Bill for almost as long as I knew him. We hung out on the road a bit in the 70's. I've seen him at his roadie worst & best.  A magic guy, always smilin' always happy.
Bob's

The Sydney Morning Herald referred to Norm as "The king of the super-roadies".

Click here - to read the SMH article

If you knew Norm and wish to include a message of your own, please just email it to us .