Andy Gill, guitarist and founding member of the band Gang of Four, died Saturday at age 64, succumbing to a respiratory illness. Gill's bandmates shared the news in a statement on social media, later confirmed by BBC News.

In the band's statement, Thomas McNeice, John Sterry and Tobias Humble — the surviving, current members of Gang of Four — wrote, "Andy's final tour in November was the only way he was ever really going to bow out: with a Stratocaster around his neck, screaming with feedback and deafening the front row."

Gang of Four began in 1976 in Leeds, England. Their first album, Entertainment!, released in 1979, and made Rolling Stone's list of 500 greatest albums of all time. The band's most recent album, Happy Now, came out in April 2019. The band's statement about Gill's passing mentioned Gill "was still listening to mixes for the upcoming record, whilst planning the next tour from his hospital bed," suggesting more creative output on the way.

The influence of Gang of Four was far-reaching, with artists including Michael Stipe of R.E.M., Tom Morello of Rage Against the Machine, Bono from U2, and Flea from Red Hot Chili Peppers all citing the band as a vital influence. "Andy was one of my heroes," Flea wrote on Instagram on hearing the news. "May his beautiful soul be in bliss with the divine, I love you Andy."

Born in Manchester on New Year's Day 1956, Gill was also a noted record producer, and Red Hot Chili Peppers are among the bands he worked with in studio.

"One of the best to ever do it," his bandmates continued in their statement, "his influence on guitar music and the creative process was inspiring for us, as well as everyone who worked alongside him and listened to his music."

Gill is survived by his wife of nearly 30 years, journalist Catherine Mayer.

External Link

Gang of Four - official site

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