Today the sad news arrived that David Thomas died at the age of 71 after he suffered a long time at kidney disease. Thomas was the leading figure by Pere Ubu, a proto-punk band from Cleveland which was to be style-defining for post-punk.
A few years ago Pere Ubu appeared at this place and I wrote: Formed in Cleveland in the late 70's they created their very own version of rock music. Inspired by punk as a new form of music they added elements of krautrock and free jazz to their cosmos. Seldom heard a darker and dangerous sound like on their first albums. If any music can hurt than theirs. I know this is not the cup of tea for everyone and lots of people would annoy this kind of music but if you are willing to to go to the darkest chapter in punk/new wave influenced music you have to listen to this. A tour de force of experimental sound.
Let's finish with David Thomas last words: "‘My name is David Fucking Thomas, and I'm the lead singer of the best fucking rock 'n’ roll band in the world.' Long live Pere Ubu."
Rest in Pease David
