Pere Ubu has communicated the death of his vocalist and leader, David Thomas, at age 71 as a result of a “long disease.” The Guardian confirms that Thomas suffered a kidney disease. The musician has died this Wednesday, April 23, accompanied by his wife and one of his stepdaughter.
Thomas was the only fixed member of Pere Ubu, a band formed in Cleveland, Ohio in 1975 who changed recurrent formation throughout his story. In addition, he was a member of the Rocket from the Tombs. Pere Ubu came to separate in 1982 but returned shortly after.
The statement indicates that Thomas was recording new album with Pere Ubu, who “knew he was the last”, and writing his autobiography before his death. Your family and team will be in charge of completing both projects.
Pere Ubu are remembered for their 1978 debut album, ‘The Modern Dance’, an exit box of an influential career that unmarked the norm by mixing post-pink with avant-garde, such as concrete music, noise or performance. Also the crazy performances of David Thomas and his absurd letters predicted the post-pitch of the future.
‘The Modern Dance’ is considered one of the best albums of the 70s and history, and with other works such as ‘Dub Housing’ (1978), Pere Ubu settled their legend and influenced later bands such as Joy Division or Pixies. His avant-garde style of deconstructed punk, which also absorbed elements of Krautrock, industrial music or psychedelic rock, has marked the post-pitch path for generations, influencing current bands such as Shame, Gilla Band or the extinct Black Midi.
