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'Absolute rockstar': Thousands attend Shane Warne memorial as Kylie, Elton and Ed lead tributes

Kylie Minogue, singer, said that the “light will continue burning forever” during her celebrity tributes to Shane Warne’s Australian state memorial.

Over 50,000 people attended the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), where Warne was called an “absolute rockstar” by tributes for his caring attitude and willingness to help others in his life.

Kylie stated that Warne had the “star quality” and “charm that the world came to love and admire and that it was the same at the doorstep as on the cricket pitch.

Image Shane Warne’s Family at the State Memorial Service for the Cricket Legend


“He was such an amazing bloke”

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Ed Sheeran recorded a message from London and played Warne’s “favourite” song, Thinking Out Loud. He said that Shane was an amazing human being to him and all the people he met. I have so many wonderful stories about him.

People he didn’t know had wonderful stories about him. He gave so much of himself and his energy and love to people he didn’t even know. He was a wonderful guy.”

Elton John stated that Warne was “probably the greatest sportsman ever” before he performed his hit, Don’t Let The Sun Go down On Me in his memory.

Learn more about Shane Warne 1969-2022

Keith Warne, Warne’s dad, stated that his son was always about “putting smiles on peoples’ faces” when he gave a speech at ground.

He said that Warne’s death on March 4th was “the darkest day of our family’s lives” and that his son’s victories on and off the field “will go down in history forever.”

Mr Warne stated that his son “loved to live and played for sport”, and the family feels “comfort” knowing that Shane crammed more into his 52-year-old life than most people in their lifetimes.

As part of the service, the Great Southern Stand was also named after Warne.

The 52-year old died in Thailand from a suspected heart attack. His death was ruled natural by an autopsy.

Image: Keith Warne (the father of the cricketer) speaks during the service. Pic by AP
Image Shane Warne chairs the pitch at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in 2006. The memorial was

The MCG is where Warne played many of his most memorable bowling moments. He scored a hat trick against England in 1994, and took 700th wicket on Boxing Day 2006.


“You will always be our Dad”

Summer Warne, the daughter of the bowling legend, spoke about her final moments with her father after they had listened to a clip from Bryan Adams’ hit, Summer Of 1969.

She stated that Summer Of 1969 was the song she heard on Wednesday 2 March, two days before you died and the last time my dad saw me.

“You were about to grab your bag for Thailand. When you got inside, the music was playing in your car.

“You began dancing and singing with pure happiness around you, with a smile that lit up every room.

“We started dancing together with no care in the world, and we couldn’t stop laughing at each other.”

“Dad, you will always be there for us, but not in the way we had hoped,”

Nasser Hussain was an ex-england cricket captain and said Warne was “the king bowler but also a great sledger”, while reflecting back on their days playing against one another. He added: “We love your and we’ll miss”

The service heard Warne’s commitment to charity, especially to children, and his “need to give back”.

As Warne “played with gusto” in the charity game, The Shane Warne Foundation supported projects and children throughout Australia.

Image Many people attended the Melbourne Cricket Ground memorial.

Spectators were also told how “he raised most million himself” and that he was “unstoppable in his efforts for helping others.


“Chaos, Shane were good friends”

Hugh Jackman, actor, stated in a prerecorded tribute: “There’s not one like you Warney – and it never will again.”

Chris Martin, Warne’s “great musical friend” from Coldplay composed music that was played along with other tributes to the Australian leg spinner.

Read More: Private Funeral for Cricket Star

Martin said that “chaos, Shane, and Martin were good friends”, before performing an acoustic rendition of Coldplay’s hit, Yellow. He concluded with “we’re going to miss you”.

Eric Bana, actor and director of the film Warne, said Warne was “part magician, piece showman” and that Warney’s talents were “part magic, part showman”. He also stated that Warney “mesmerized fans as he did batsmen around the world” adding that children wanted to be like Warney.

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