Mike Noga's Legacy! 

Mike Noga’s sudden death came as a shock to family, friends and the music industry both within Australia and beyond.  He was only 42 when he passed away on August 27 2020. Michael was a student at St Virgil’s from1990-94.

The former the Drones drummer (2004-2014) and solo artist had announced on Facebook only the previous month he was set to launch a new album Open Fire, which he had recorded in Bob Dylan’s hometown of Duluth, Minnesota.

Open Fire was launched some 13 months after his unexpected death at a gathering of family and friends at Hobart Brewing Company early in October.  The gathering was livestreamed around the world.   The album was played through for guests alongside visuals of Noga’s favourite Tasmanian wilderness walking trails.

(Quoting from the Annie McCann article in the Hobart Mercury October 26)

The Noga family said in a statement the musician’s death had been “accidental due to a rare condition which caused an aneurysm”.

“We all know what an outstanding musician Mike was however, behind his humour and engaging personality was a gentle, sensitive person with a lot of emotional intensity and he often struggled with the lifestyle that came with being in the music industry.

“Being on the road constantly made it difficult for Mike to get professional help for his anxiety and depression.”

The album launch also raised funds for Support Act; a charity offering crisis relief and mental health services to people working in the music industry.

The Noga family has had a long association with St Virgil's. Mike is the son of Valentine (Val ) Noga (SVC 1960-65), the nephew of Val’s brothers Steve (SVC 1960-67), Robert (SVC 1965-73) and David (SVC 1970-78) and cousin of Andrew Noga (SVC 1989-94) and Tim Noga (SVC 1990-94).