Gang Of Four's Andy Gill Dead At 64

Gang Of Four's founding member and lead guitarist, Andy Gill, has died at the age of 64.

The announcement came today (February 1) from the band's Twitter account, in a joint statement from vocalist John Sterry, bassist Thomas McNeice and drummer Tobias Humble.

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

“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."

The band go on to say that even while in his hospital bed, Andy was planning Gang Of Four's next tour and listening to mixes for their upcoming record – the follow-up to last year's Happy Now.

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"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," they continue.

"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."

If you're new to Gang Of Four and don't know where to start, their 1979 record Entertainment! was named as one of Kurt Cobain's 50 favourite albums, and is regarded as one of the best post-punk LPs of all time.

Kerrang! would like to extend our condolences to the Gill family and his friends.