Vale Paul Woseen of the Screaming Jets

PAUL Woseen, the bass player, co-founder and songwriting force in the Screaming Jets, has died. He was 56.

Woseen’s passing was announced on Friday evening by the band’s Facebook account, which gave no cause of death.

“It is with broken hearts that we tell you our beloved brother in rock Paul Woseen has passed away today,” the statement read.

“We are shattered, dealing with the loss of Paully. He was a brilliant shining light in all our lives.

“Our hearts are with Paully’s family and we ask that you respect our need for privacy at this time.”

Also an accomplished solo artist and acoustic guitar player, Woseen wrote timeless classics such as “Helping Hand’, “Friend Of Mine”, “October Grey”, “Think”, “Shine On” and “Needle” with the Jets.

Tributes have poured in from across Australian music.

“We played countless gigs together,” former Angels bassist James Morley wrote.

“Most of them just winging it … there was a musical magic that just worked. We had these harmonies that would come out of nowhere and sound like a million bucks.

“We lived together, played hard together, and I’ll miss the silly old bugger.”

Broadcaster Mick Radojkovic said: “You’ve been a hero of mine for so long and I’m so glad I got to tell you, but gutted that I won’t hear your bass or see you again.”

The Poor posted: “Word can’t explain how shattered we are to hear of the passing of one of the most talented people in rock’n’roll and one of our brothers.”

Main image: screamingjets.com.au