Maxwell James Merritt

Born in Christchurch, New Zealand, Max Merritt was an early pioneer of R&B and soul music in Australia and New Zealand. Best known for his band “Max Merritt & the Meteors”, Max became one of Australia’s most enduring live acts during the 1960s.

Relocating to the U.K. in 1970, Max spent the next decade entertaining fans in the U.K. and Europe. Max arrived in Los Angeles in 1980 and continued to release albums and to perform in Australia for the next 20 years. After being diagnosed with Goodpasture’s Syndrome, in 2007, Max’s ability to perform live was severely impacted. During his final years, he was sustained by the loyal support of his many Facebook followers, who continued to reach out and share their memories and experiences with him.

Max left us on September 24, 2020 after a long and stubborn battle with a disease that has no cure. Although never really ready to say goodbye, we are comforted knowing that he is no longer suffering and that he lived an incredible life to its fullest.

Max is survived by his sister Pam Gearry, his children, Kelli Zuazola and Josh Merritt, and his three grandchildren, Aidan Zuazola, Zoe Merritt and Kylie Merritt.

While current COVID restrictions prevent us from gathering all his friends together, we hope to schedule something in the near future to celebrate his life.