Australian rock legend Billy Thorpe has died after suffering a major heart attack, a spokesman for Sydney's St Vincent's Hospital said this morning.

"Mr Billy Thorpe did pass away at St Vincent's Hospital in the early hours of this morning," St Vincent's spokesman David Faktor told the Nine Network.

"I understand he passed away from a heart attack. His family were with him when he passed away."

Mr Faktor said he understood Thorpe was taken by ambulance to the hospital about 2am (AEDT).

Thorpe was born in England but migrated with his family to Brisbane in the 1950s.

He moved to Sydney in 1963 and recorded his first song the next year with his band Billy and the Aztecs.

They went on to perform at sell-out venues across Australia and had a string of hits in the 60s and 70s.

His music career has spanned five decades and he has also written two autobiographies.

Yeah I herd it this morning, not good.

FMD!

What a shame. The man was pure entertainment. I saw him perform about 10 years ago.

Another aussie icon lost.

Ian

R.I.P. Billy....a true legend

Rock on Billy!

Most people I know think I'm crazy too ... wouldn't have it any other way.

Rest In Peace mate.

I first saw Billy and the Aztecs perform at the old Surf City in the Cross many many years ago. It was the Surfies and Rockers era. (I was a bit of both).

Last saw him and the Sunbury Aztecs during the "long Way To The Top" tour a few years ago at the Bris Entertainment Centre. It was the last show of the tour and was a cracker.

Anyhow, the old Bill packed a fuller life than many ever could so RIP Billy Thorpe, probably Oz's most successful and complete Rock Artist.

Poor bugger.. Just hope he wasnt in too much pain when he passed away