Chris Doheny dead at 64: Geisha frontman and voice of footy anthem More Than A Game tragically killed in car crash

Chris Doheny, the voice of footy anthem More Than A Game and frontman of Aussie pop-rock band Geisha, has died.

Doheny was driving a Holden ute that collided with a truck on Thiele Hwy in Kapunda, near the Barossa Valley in South Australia, about 7.20pm on Friday.

Tragically, he died at the scene.

The truck driver and his passenger were not injured, SA Police said.

“It is with deep sadness that Diamond Dog Records announces the passing of Geisha frontman, Chris Doheny, on Friday,” his Melbourne label said.

“At this difficult time, we kindly ask for privacy and understanding as we, along with Chris’s family and friends, come to terms with this profound loss.”

Doney was best known for “More than a Game”, The Footy Show’s beloved theme, and Geisha, a “defining” pop-rock band of the 1980s.

Other projects included All The Young Dudes and Dragonfly, along with his solo music and work as a producer and mentor.

Remembering his friend, music writer Greg Phillips said “few voices in Australian music carried the blend of charisma, vulnerability and sheer rock ‘n’ roll spirit quite like Chris Doheny”.

“His soaring vocals and magnetic stage presence gave Geisha their signature identity — equal parts glamorous and deeply human,” he wrote for Australian Musician.

“The last time I spoke with Chris, which was only a month ago, he was excitedly talking about the re-release of (the 40th anniversary editions of Geisha’s debut album) and the shows he was planning around it.”

Diamond Dog Records said the anniversary record “will now be moved to a later date”.

More friends and fans took to social media on Monday, remembering the artist and “all round ripper guy”.

“Rest in peace my friend,” radio legend Chris Huggins said.

“A fabulous guy who didn’t get enough recognition for his terrific songwriting and singing skills.”

Neill Bartlett, a photographer and radio host, said he had been left “gutted”.

“Chris Doheny and I have been mates since 1985 when I was asked to photograph Geisha in and out of concert. I instantly became a fan and a friend,” Bartlett said.

“Chris and I had so much fun back in the days, as you could imagine but I never lost the respect I had for Chris’s immense talent as a singer and songwriter.

“His unbelievable talent always shone. I cannot believe you have left us all, but thank you for leaving us with incredible music, both from Geisha and your solo career.”

Doheny was 64.