David Thomas, Frontman of Pere Ubu, Dead at 71
David Thomas, frontman of the influential bands Pere Ubu and Rocket From the Tombs, died Wednesday (April 23rd) at age 71. The news was announced via Pere Ubu's Facebook page, which noted that Thomas passed away after a 'long illness.'
Thomas formed Rocket From the Tombs in 1974 in Cleveland. Their first stint was short-lived, only lasting about a year, but they reunited in 2003 and remained active through 2017.
Following the initial breakup of Rocket From the Tombs, Thomas formed Pere Ubu, while other members of Rocket From the Tombs went on to form Dead Boys. Pere Ubu were active until 1982, and then again from 1987 until Thomas' passing.
The statement on Pere Ubu's Facebook page reads as follows:
'David Lynn Thomas, lead singer of Pere Ubu, Rocket From The Tombs and multiple solo projex, has died after a long illness.
On Wednesday, April 23 2025, he died in his home town of Brighton & Hove, with his wife and youngest step-daughter by his side. MC5 were playing on the radio. He will ultimately be returned to his home, the farm in Pennsylvania, where he insisted he was to be 'thrown in the barn.'
David Thomas and his band have been recording a new album. He knew it was to be his last. We will endeavour to continue with mixing and finalising the new album so that his last music is available to all. Aside from that, he left instruction that the work should continue to catalog all the tapes from live shows via the official bandcamp page. His autobiography was nearly completed and we will finish that for him. Pere Ubu's Patreon will continue as a community, run by communex.
We'll leave you with his own words, which sums up who he was better than we can: 'My name is David Fucking Thomas… and I'm the lead singer of the best fucking rock n roll band in the world.' (Frigo Documentary)
Long Live Pere Ubu.'
Pere Ubu's combination of post-punk, art-rock, new wave, and even industrial music has had a long-lasting influence on acts like R.E.M., Sonic Youth, Pixies, Sisters of Mercy, and more.
The band released its first album, The Modern Dance, in 1978, and has issued a total of 18 studio albums during the course of its career. As noted in Pere Ubu's statement above, Thomas and company were working on a final album that will see the light of day.
Thomas remained the only constant member of Pere Ubu throughout the years, although current bassist Michele Temple and drummer Steve Mehlman have been in the band for roughly 30 years themselves.
Rocket From the Tombs never released an album during their initial '70s run, but later released three LPs during their 21st century reunion, including 2004's Rocket Redux, which featured re-recordings of their '70s material.
Our condolences go out to David Thomas' family, friends, and bandmates during this difficult time. Revisit his music with Pere Ubu and Rocket From the Tombs below.
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