10 Musicians Who Died In 2020
3. Andy Gill
As a founding member of Leeds band Gang Of Four, Andy Gill was on the forefront of post-punk. The guitarist’s distinctive abrasive style was at the forefront of the band’s danceable but highly political music, and he and the rest of Gang Of Four were hugely influential for the next generation of performers in the UK and beyond, with Kurt Cobain among their devotees.
Gang Of Four dissolved and reformed repeatedly over the years, with Gill the sole constant whenever they were a going concern. When not recording or touring with his band, Gill was an accomplished and sought after producer, working with the likes of Red Hot Chili Peppers and The Futureheads. A staunchly principled individual, Gill wasn’t always the easiest to get along with as a colleague, but he honed a sound like few have managed.
Gill died quite suddenly in February at age 64, and while the cause at the time was ruled to be pneumonia complications, his symptoms and recent touring schedule led some to suggest he was an early victim of 2020’s pandemic.