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David Thomas, singer of the experimental post-punk band Pere UBU, died at the age of 71. The influential musician, who also played with Rocket from the Tombs and realized numerous solo projects, died on April 23 in his place of residence in Brighton & Hove (UK) after a long illness-as was announced on the official Facebook page of the band.
His wife and his youngest stepdaughter have been with him in his last hours. According to the statement, he heard MC5 on the radio asleep. With the desire to later be “thrown into the barn” on his farm in Pennsylvania. Just as he put it humorously.
A life for the avant -garde: David Thomas and Pere UBU
Born in Florida in 1953, Thomas lived in Great Britain for many years. He was the only continuously active founding member of Pere UBU, which was founded in Cleveland, Ohio in 1975 and shaped entire generations with their sound between punk, avant-garde and art rock.
The band was currently in the recording process of a new album, which, according to Thomas’, was to be the last work. The material is to be completed and published posthumously.
“In addition to the music, David had that the archiving of live recordings should also be continued on Bandcamp,” it continues. “His autobiography was almost complete. We will also finish this in his sense.”
Pere UBUS Patreon page will also continue as a community platform and will be looked after by Communex in the future.
Unique voice, permanent influence
David Thomas was one of the most influential artists of the experimental rock. With his stage show, which alternated between bizarre, poetically and gripping, he became a legend. Quotes from the music scene show the deep appreciation.
Cherry Red Records: “A true avant-garde pioneer, whose art has shifted the limits of the postal point.”
John Robb (Louder Than War): “His voice – at the same time disturbing and poetic – was unique.”
Tongue Master Records: “A groundbreaking artist of permanent influence.”
A fan simply summed it up: “A giant of the musical cosmos – always unique.”
Last album 2023, last appearance in Italy
The last studio album by Pere Ubu, “Trouble on Big Beat Street”, was released in 2023. The band played her last live appearance in July of the same year in Pisa, Italy. The group had already canceled some US appointments for health reasons in 2017.
David Thomas said goodbye to the world with the words that best describe him:
“My name is david fucking Thomas … and I’m the lead singer of the best fucking rock and roll band in the world.”