It’s been a few hours since the very sad news about Andy Gill‘s passing were shared on the band’s official Facebook page:

This is so hard for us to write, but our great friend and Supreme Leader has died today.

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.

His uncompromising artistic vision and commitment to the cause meant that he was still listening to mixes for the upcoming record, whilst planning the next tour from his hospital bed.

But to us, he was our friend – and we’ll remember him for his kindness and generosity, his fearsome intelligence, bad jokes, mad stories and endless cups of Darjeeling tea. He just so happened to be a bit of a genius too.

One of the best to ever do it, 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. And his albums and production work speak for themselves. Go give ‘em a spin for him…

Love you mate.

John, Thomas and Tobias
GANG OF FOUR

Andy Gill held the lead guitar duties for one of the most influential bands of post punk, Gang Of Four, that co-founded in 1976. His iconic, angular riffs and “jagged” guitar sound marked a whole era & sound on albums such as ‘Entertainment!‘ (1979), ‘Solid Gold‘ (1981) & ‘Songs Of The Free‘ (1982).

Furthermore, Gill was a successful producer, having produced albums for artists like Red Hot Chilli Peppers, The Jesus Lizard, Killing Joke, Therapy?, The Stranglers among numerous others.

Rest easy Andy, and thank you for the “noise”.

Christos Doukakis