'One Of My Favourite Guitar Players Has Left Us': Tributes For Gang Of Four's Andy Gill Roll In

Tributes are flowing in for Gang Of Four's Andy Gill, who passed away yesterday at age 64. A cause of death is yet to be announced. 

Gill was the only original remaining member of the UK group, which he co-founded in Leeds in 1976.

Gang Of Four toured Australia in November last year, after initially postponing the tour following Gill's hospitalisation with a chest infection.

"This is so hard for us to write, but our great friend and Supreme Leader has died," read a statement from Gang Of Four. 

"Andy's final tour in November was the only way he was ever really going to bow out; with a Stratocaster around his neck, screaming with feedback and deafening the front row." 

"His uncompromising artistic vision and commitment to the cause meant that he was still listening to mixes for the upcoming record, whilst planning the next tour from his hospital bed." See the full statement below. 

Andy Gill. pic.twitter.com/DHNCz5lAe6

— Gang Of Four (@gangof4official) February 1, 2020

Tributes have begun rolling in for the artist, with artists like Flea and Tom Morello all sharing how Gill influenced them as musicians. 

In addition to his work with Gang Of Four, Gill was a well-respected producer and collaborator. He produced Red Hot Chili Peppers' first album, The Red Hot Chili Peppers, and also played a huge role in INXS frontman Michael Hutchence's self-titled solo album. 

Gang Of Four celebrated the 40th anniversary of their seminal album Entertainment! last year, with the band touring in celebration of the occasion. They released their ninth studio album, Happy Now, in April last year. 

Andy Gill one of my favorite guitar players of all time has left us. Go listen to the Gang of Four album ENTERTAINMENT right now. Turn that shit up loud and rock the fuck out. Dance. Think. Thats a record that… https://t.co/HENb28XdZE

— Flea (@flea333) February 1, 2020

RIP #AndyGill of ⁦@gangof4official⁩. A tremendous artist/guitarist who was hugely influential on my playing and my thinking about guitar & art. https://t.co/L0DLRlUAQs

— Tom Morello (@tmorello) February 2, 2020

Just heard that Andy Gill from Gang Of Four has died. That is tragic. Andy was a unique talent.

— Gary Numan (@numanofficial) February 1, 2020

WE are very sad to learn about the death of Andy Gill @gangof4official. Our thoughts are with our co-founder, President and friend, Catherine Mayer. Statement below. pic.twitter.com/0YfbsZG87J

— Women's Equality Party (@WEP_UK) February 1, 2020

Very sad news today. RIP the hugely influential Andy Gill. Thoughts with @gangof4official and all that knew, loved and learned from him x pic.twitter.com/eCN9CwwAEx

— Rough Trade (@RoughTrade) February 1, 2020

RIP Andy Gill, Gang Of Four " Damaged Goods " will always remind me of being 19 and free. Thank you for that.

— Lol Tolhurst (@LolTolhurst) February 1, 2020

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