Dead at 71. One of the great innovators in avant-rock. Bless you David.
And thanks.
I’m at work so don’t have much information if any is needed.
RIP Mr Thomas.
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I rarely feel obituaries get it right but this gets closer than most.
The Modern Dance and its immediately surrounding albums were remarkable. An acquired taste for sure but once acquired…
Had the pleasure of seeing them live at the long since deceased but fondly remembered Astoria up by Roundhay Park in Leeds. The most terrifying evening in the company of a man casually swinging a lump hammer I have ever had. Musically and visually compelling albeit with the constant threat that if he let go of that hammer one of us might die.
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That’s sad news. Ubu music is challenging I think but well worth the effort. Managed to catch them live at The Band On The Wall. R.I.P David Thomas.
Pere Ubu were much loved by my cooler friends but for some reason they passed me by, despite my liking of other avant garde outfits such as the Pop Group. To remedy that I’ve started at the beginning with The Modern Dance. What a fine record.
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I bought the original LP of The Modern Dance when it came out based on great reviews (like a lot of other stuff I bought before the internet or streaming appeared - that would have saved me quite a few bob!!) - I think I tried to play it twice but did not get very far and never played it again.
My taste has evolved and broadened so much over the years so maybe I should give it another try.
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We like what we like don’t we. It’s a chemical thing.
Totally get why anyone would not gel with Ubu. Certainly there are albums I find grate. What we perhaps (?) might agree on is that The Modern Dance was a sui generis extraordinary album. The world is full of too few of those.
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Worth giving it another try for sure. Later albums like Tenement Year are easier on the ear I think but still far from easy listening.
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Very sad, unique talent, did some nice things with Jackie Leven, sadly also not with us anymore.
I saw DT over a weekend at the QEH in London some years ago, might have been a Meltdown gig, but I seem to recall it was more centered around him, great gig(s).
Sad news. I saw Pere Ubu live on many occasions. David Thomas was always compelling.
I also saw him performing in a version of the play Shock Headed Peter with musical accompaniment from Two Pale Boys. Absolutely marvellous.
Yes The Modern Dance was a brilliant album. There are also some other fine albums in their catalogue. Pennsylvania is another favourite of mine.
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