Vale Ignatius Jones

By AARYAN KAPOOR

Ignatius Jones, the frontman of the 1970s shock rock band, Jimmy and the Boys, passed away in the Philippines on the May 7, 2024, aged 67. 

Jones had an illustrious career as a frontman during the ‘70s and ‘80s, then went on to be a prolific artistic director. He received an Order of Australia in 2019 due to his commitment and contributions to entertainment and literature; his legacy is a result of his pushing boundaries.  

Born Juan Ignacio Rafaelo Lorenzo Trápaga y Esteban in 1957 in the Philippines, Jones moved to Australia with his family in 1963, settling in Wahroonga, Sydney. 

In 1976, he formed Jimmy and the Boys with Joylene Thornbird Hairmouth, (born William O’Riordan). Jones was on lead vocals, Harmouth on keyboards and additional vocals. The other members comprised of Tom Falkinham (bass), Scott Johnson (drums), Jason Morphett (saxophone) and Andrew de Teliga (guitar).

By the end of the ‘70s, they were a hit on the Sydney live music scene, due to on-stage theatrics that pushed the edge. Rock Australia Magazine described the group as a band whose performances “featured politics, simulated sex and violent humour”. 

Some of these antics included Jones performing contortionist movements, as well as the band setting fire to dolls and “maiming” an effigy of [then Prime Minister] Malcom Fraser. 

In 1981, their single “They Won’t Let My Girlfriend Talk To Me” reached the Australian Top 10. It was their only single to do so, though they had various hit songs including “I’m Not Like Everybody Else” and “Product of Your Mind”. 

Jimmy and the Boys disbanded in 1982 and that same year Jones debuted his first solo single titled, “Like a Ghost”, followed by other singles including “Whispering Your Name” in 1983. 

In 1985, Jones and O’Riordan formed the swing jazz cabaret band, Pardon Me Boys, which featured Jones’ sister, Monica Trapaga, on lead vocals. Short lived, the band only released one studio album in 1988, which peaked at 63 in the Australian Charts. 

As well as writing and performing music, Jones was a journalist, author and actor, but he reached his greatest heights as a creative director. 

One of his most notable events was co-directing the Sydney 2000 Summer Olympics opening and closing ceremonies with David Atkins. 

He was also the director of other sporting ceremonies, including the 2006 Asian Games, the 2010 World Expo and the 2002 Gay Games. 

From 1996 – 2002, he was the creative director of the City of Sydney’s New Year’s Eve fireworks celebrations, and of Vivid Sydney from 2011 – 2019. 

Again with Atkins, Jones co-directed the massive theatre production, The Man from Snowy River: Arena Spectacular.

His passion and talent saw him collaborate with renowned musicians and he even directed various productions for country music star, Dolly Parton.

Jones was seen as an Icon in Australia, especially for the queer community. From 2011 – 2015, he was the artistic director of the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parades.  

In 2018, Jones married his partner, Filipino choreographer and artistic director, Novy Bereber, and they lived together in the Phillipines until Jones’ death. 

Ignatius Jones leaves a legacy etched in Australian history. 

Monica Trapaga, Jones’ sister, made the following statement:

“His friends and family will remember Iggy as a bon-vivant, a lively raconteur and a real Renaissance man, immensely and passionately knowledgeable in history and the arts. 

“The arts community in Australia has lost a champion, and dinner parties will now be less interesting, with his passing.”