The pair did indeed examine, deconstruct and dissect art in New York City. As a result, Gill and King went to New York City to study the visual arts they would be going on to study at Leeds University. The two benefited from the tuition of Art teacher Bob White, who insisted they examine, deconstruct and dissect the art pupils felt strongest about. He relocated and went to an exclusive, boys only school in Sevenoaks, Kent and it was here he met future Gang of four vocalist Jon King. ‘Gill fed taut, funky guitar lines and screeching noise into the band’s politically charged music.’ Ben Beaumont Thomas, The Guardian February 2020.Īndrew James Dalrymple Gill was born in Manchester on New Year’s Day, 1956. Listen to Can’t Stop by the Chilli Peppers and tell me that isn’t the spirit of Andy Gill shaping the guitar part, both in tone and style. Frankly, as the years have moved on, it’s everywhere. You can hear the spirit of Andy’s playing from The Edge to Kurt Cobain, to Alex Kapranos and Nick McCarthy of Franz Ferdinand to John Frusciante. Along with the likes of Keith Levine of Public Image, Viv Albertine from The Slits, Will Sergeant from Echo and the Bunnymen and a handful of others, he pioneered a way of playing that paved the way for many an underground player to follow. His discordant clangs, chimes, staccato blends and funky post-punky rhythmic runs refreshed guitar playing thoroughly. However, the way Andy helped shape the alternative guitar sound from 1977 onwards is a legacy for which post-punk rock fans will always be most grateful. The Velvet Underground debut album effect, you might say.Īndy was also an effective and successful producer, helping launch the career of the Red Hot Chilli Peppers, amongst others. Their politicised, cerebral sound, though never a huge commercial success, had an impact that outweighed the band’s sales.
The world will never quite be the same again.Īndy Gill was the guitar player and constant presence throughout the career of Gang of Four, the band he formed in 1977 with fellow student Jon King in Leeds, England. One of the biggest influences on the guitar sounds of the past forty years recently passed away.
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