Hey Hey It's Saturday star Desmond 'Dezzy' McKenna dies: Musician known as the drummer 'Animal' passes away in Thailand By Mary Mrad For Daily Mail Australia Published: 23:04 BST, 18 October 2021 | Updated: 23:10 BST, 18 October 2021 Viewcomments Australian drummer Desmond 'Dezzy' McKenna has died in Thailand, where he had been living since the mid 1990s. The musician, better known as 'Animal' on Hey Hey It's Saturday, was a regular guest on the variety show alongside Red Symons, Wilbur Wilde and Daryl McKenzie. Desmond's brother Brian announced the news on social media, writing: 'So sad. Sorry to say that my brother Des "Animal" McKenna died last night in Thailand. Tragic: Drummer Desmond 'Dezzy' McKenna, better known as 'Animal' on Hey Hey It's Saturday, has died in Thailand, his brother Brian announced this week 'He was a saviour and huge inspiration to me. Remembering all the wonderful times.' Singer Joe Camilleri also paid tribute, writing: 'Des "Animal" McKenna has gone ahead… we had fun playing music and listening to jazz… so with a heavy heart I will give Pharaoh Sanders Floating Points a spin and think of the times we shared.' The news comes after Hey Hey It's Saturday's 50th Anniversary special aired. Famous role: The musician was a regular guest on the popular Australian variety show Fans watching at home were delighted with the iconic series making a return to TV. In fact, many begged for the program to return permanently. One viewer tweeted: 'Those old enough will remember Hey Hey It's Saturday, it's one of Australia's favourite shows. Which we miss so much.' Special episode: The news comes after Hey Hey It's Saturday's 50th Anniversary special aired Another wrote: 'How much am I enjoying the Hey Hey It's Saturday 50 year reunion on telly tonight!!! Bring it back!!!!' The Hey Hey reunion was the evening's most-viewed program, pulling in 1.224 million metro viewers. The Block, which is heading into its final weeks, came in second place, scoring 998,000 metro viewers for Nine. Popular: Fans watching at home were delighted with the iconic series making a return to TV Share or comment on this article: All rights reserved for this news site (dailymail) and under his responsibility