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Ian Rilen

1947 – 2006

Australian musician

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About Ian Rilen

Lived 1947 – 2006 (aged 59). Ian Rilen was an Australian musician and songwriter.

Ian William Rilen (12 August 1947 – 30 October 2006) was an Australian musician. He was bass guitarist and a songwriter with rock and roll band Rose Tattoo and punk rock group X. Rilen was born in Bendigo, Victoria, started his musical career in Sydney and later lived in Melbourne.

Rilen was a member of 1970s progressive blues group Band of Light and other bands, including Space, Blue Aliens, Blackfeather, Sardine v, Hell to Pay, Skindiver and Illustrated Men. Rilen wrote one of Rose Tattoo's biggest hits, "Bad Boy for Love", and co-wrote "Stuck on You" with his first wife Stephanie Falconer ( Hancock), which was covered by Hunters & Collectors. Rilen was diagnosed with bladder cancer early in 2006 and died on 30 October, aged 59.

Biography Ian William Rilen was born on 12 August 1947 in Bendigo, Victoria to Jean and William Rilen. He grew up in Torquay and became a surfer.

X Ian Rilen on bass, playing his unique fast down stroke style, formed X with Steve Lucas on guitar and vocals, Ian Krahe on guitar (who used to literally have blood on his hands from his thrashing playing style without a pick, by the end of a show), and Steve Cafiero on drums

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Important facts

People in Ian Rilen's life

Named in this biography and alive at the same time

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped Ian Rilen's

Frequently asked questions

Who was Ian Rilen?

Australian musician

When was Ian Rilen born?

Ian Rilen was born on 12 August 1947 in Bendigo.

When did Ian Rilen die?

Ian Rilen died on 30 October 2006 in Melbourne, Victoria (Australia).

What was Ian Rilen's occupation?

Ian Rilen was a musician and songwriter.

What nationality was Ian Rilen?

Ian Rilen was Australian.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: Ian Rilen

· Wikidata: Q11864269

· DBpedia: Ian Rilen

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Ian Rilen. https://biography.guide/ian-rilen/

MLA: "Ian Rilen." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/ian-rilen/.

Chicago: "Ian Rilen." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/ian-rilen/.

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