“If a single word could describe Gang of Four’s Andy Gill—who led a version of the group from their formation in the late 1970s right up until his death on February 1—it might be “steely.”  It captures everything from his innovative and massively influential guitar style, which sounded like metal splintering, to his stern stage persona, to his brisk, no-nonsense demeanor in interviews. A guitar-hero for a “no more heroes” era, Gill saw rock as an agent of change: a hammer to reshape reality, not just reflect it.” The opening paragraph from Simon Reynolds eloquent tribute in Pitchfork on the untimely passing of Andy Gill. Reynolds joins Life Elsewhere to talk about the Gang of Four guitarist’s legacy and the importance of his influence on legions of musicians.

It was devastating news for Jon King to learn of the sudden death of his longtime friend and bandmate. To add to the emotional whirl that descended up him, just an hour before Norman B was scheduled to chat with Jon, he sent a message to ask if the conversation could be delayed for a while as his daughter had just gone into labor. A roller-coaster of emotions ensued for Jon, he had just lost a dear partner of many, many years then just mere days after, he was celebrating the birth of a grandchild. With so much more to engage his time, Jon King graciously allowed us to hear his thoughts on the loss of Andy Gill and welcoming a newborn into his life. Jon’s remembrances are touching, he describes his bandmate as being nowhere near as dour as the persona he was known to present. You’ll hear the emotion of a man trying to rationalize what has just occurred in his life. We thank Jon King for sharing his thoughts, we send him our sincere condolences. 

Show #360