Eddie McGuire has shared an emotional tribute following the death of beloved Footy Show performer and Geisha frontman, Chris Doheny, who died in a car crash at the age of 64.
Doheny, best known as the voice behind the AFL anthem More Than a Game, was killed when his Holden ute collided with a truck on the Thiele Highway in Kapunda, South Australia, on Friday, according to The Advertiser. He died at the scene.
During Tuesday night’s Footy Classified, McGuire paused for a moment of silence before remembering his friend and former Footy Show colleague.
“Vale to Chris Doheny, the voice of More Than A Game,” McGuire said.
“A great friend of ours at the Footy Show back in the day here at Channel 9. He passed away in a car accident in South Australia over the weekend, 64 years of age.”
“He was a musical genius and one of the great anthems of AFL football. It is more than a game. Vale Chris.”
Doheny was also the lead singer of pop-rock band Geisha, who found success in the 1980s with songs like Kabuki, Fools Way and Rainy Day.
His label, Diamond Dog Records, released a statement confirming his death.
“It is with deep sadness that Diamond Dog Records announces the passing of Geisha frontman, Chris Doheny, on Friday, 19 September 2025,” the statement read.
“Chris was about to release the 40th anniversary album on vinyl which will now be moved to a later date. 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.”
Tributes have since poured in from across the Australian music industry.
Music writer Greg Phillip, a friend of Doheny, said he had been planning new shows and was excited for the re-release of Geisha’s debut album.
“Few voices in Australian music carried the blend of charisma, vulnerability and sheer rock ‘n’ roll spirit quite like Chris Doheny,” Phillip said.
“His soaring vocals and magnetic stage presence gave Geisha their signature identity – equal parts glamorous and deeply human.”
Kids in the Kitchen frontman Scott Carne wrote: “Top bloke and an amazing singer. Fly high my friend.”
Neill Bartlett, a photographer and former radio host who had known Doheny since 1985, said he was “totally and absolutely gutted” by the news.
“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,” he said.
“I cannot believe you have left us all, but thank you for leaving us with incredible music, both from Geisha and your solo career.”
Images: Instagram/ Channel 9
