James Freud, singer and bass player of Australian band Models, has committed suicide at the age of 51.

Freud, who was absent from his band’s induction into the ARIA Hall of Fame last week, is said to have lost his high profile battle with alcoholism.

Model’s label, Mushroom Music, released the following statement: “It is with much sorrow that we share the news of the passing of James Freud."

The statement continues: “James Freud passed away this morning. James’ battle with alcoholism has been well chronicled. His two books on his recovery and five year’s sobriety were bestsellers and gave a lot of people who were suffering the same afflictions comfort and hope."

“Unfortunately, James has succumbed to his disease and taken his own life this morning.”

Freud joined Models in 1982 and wrote some of their most successful tracks, including, ‘Barbados’ and ‘Out of Mind, Out of Sight’.

Watch the video for ‘Out of Mind, Out of Sight’ below: