In Memoriam: The Former Gang Of Four Bassist "Dave Allen" Dies Aged 69

Dave Allen, the founding bassist of English post-punk band Gang Of Four, died last Saturday at 69. His former bandmate Hugo Burnham confirmed the news in a post on Gang Of Four’s Instagram account, noting that Allen had been living with early-onset dementia for the last several years of his life.

 

Gang Of Four formed in Leeds in 1976 with Allen alongside vocalist Jon King, guitarist Andy Gill, and drummer Burnham; their debut album Entertainment! was released in 1979. The album performed well both critically and commercially upon its release, helping to usher in the post-punk movement. 

 

Gang Of Four were quickly noted for their unique approach to the genre, their mix of funk, reggae, and dub underscoring lyrics that often referenced left-wing ideology. Entertainment! would go on to be considered one of the most important records in punk rock.

 

Shortly after Gang Of Four released their second album Solid Gold in 1981, Allen departed the band to form Shriekback, a new wave-leaning project whose members included former XTC keyboardist Barry Andrews. 

 

Allen also played in groups including the Elastic Purejoy and Low Pop Suicide, but he also had a successful career in business. He founded the record label World Domination Recordings and served as the director of Consumer Digital Audio Services at Intel before working in artist relations at Apple Music.

Read Burnham's full statement reads:

It is with broken yet full hearts that we share the news that Dave Allen, our old music partner, friend, and brilliant musician, died on Saturday morning. He was at home with his family. Dave had endured the early-onset of mixed dementia for some years which has been a heartbreaking time for his wife Paddy, his children, and close friends. Our love and thoughts are with them. Jon and I (Hugo) went to see him and spent a lovely afternoon with him and the family. We talked and laughed for hours, sharing rich and vivid memories of good times together. Adventures, careers in music, raising families, our interwoven lives spanning half a century. We’ve been so very lucky to have had the Ace of Bass in our lives.

We know that Dave would have wanted nothing more than to step onstage with us again in Portland on our farewell US tour. But it’s now a bridge too far.

Goodbye, Old Friend.