Latest news with #RocketRedux
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
David Thomas, Frontman of Pere Ubu, Dead at 71
The post David Thomas, Frontman of Pere Ubu, Dead at 71 appeared first on Consequence. 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. Popular Posts deadmau5 Apologizes for Blacking Out During Coachella Set New Pornographers Drummer Joseph Seiders Charged with Child Pornography The 100 Best Guitarists of All Time Lady Gaga Battles Tech Issues at Coachella: "At Least You Know I Sing Live" Beyoncé's "COWBOY CARTER TOUR" Set to Kick Off with Thousands of Seats Unsold Keanu Reeves to Play Villain in Weezer Movie: Report Subscribe to Consequence's email digest and get the latest breaking news in music, film, and television, tour updates, access to exclusive giveaways, and more straight to your inbox.
Extra.ie
24-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Extra.ie
BREAKING: Tributes pour in as rock legend dies aged 71
David Thomas, founding member of influential American rock band Pere Ubu, has died at age 71 '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,' the band to their Facebook page. 'He will ultimately be returned to his home, the farm in Pennsylvania, where he insisted he was to be 'thrown in the barn.'' Pere Ubu had been recording a new album with Thomas and have said they would continue to work on it '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,' they added. 'His autobiography was nearly completed and we will finish that for him.' Thomas formed his first band, Rocket From the Tombs, in 1974. Despite exciting live performances and an influence on proto-punk, the band was shortlived and never recorded any material. Pere Ubu would be created shortly after, with Thomas, Peter Laughner, Tim Wright, Allen Ravenstine, Scott Krauss and Tom Herman. The band split after five albums by 1982, reforming in 1987. While the lineup had changed somewhat between 1975 and 1982, after the revival Thomas would remain as the sole founding member, with a supporting band of over 20 regularly shifting names. While Thomas' tastes would evolve over the years, he and Pere Ubu are hailed as a considerable influence on the punk and post-punk movements, despite his resistance to the labels. Alongside Pere Ubu, Thomas would work on a variety of side projects, including multiple Rocket From the Tombs reunions in the 2000s which saw the group release their first studio album, Rocket Redux .
