Go-betweens lead singer Grant McLennan has died in his sleep at the age of 48.

The death of McLennan - one of Australia's most acclaimed singer-songwriters - came unexpectedly, although he had complained of feeling ill on Saturday,

The band's manager said that the group were devastated by the tragic news and described the death as "totally unexpected".

Although never a chart success, the Go-betweens released a number of critically-acclaimed albums and influenced bands such as REM and Franz Ferdinand.

A spokesman for Lo-Max Records said, "His singular contribution to music and his commitment to the craft simply cannot be overstated."