Andy Gill, guitarist and founding member of the influential post-punk band Gang Of Four, has died in a central London hospital after a short respiratory illness. He was 64. His Gang Of Four bandmates John Sterry, Thomas McNeice and Tobias Humble confirmed the news with the following statement:

This is so hard for us to write, but our great friend and Supreme Leader has died today.

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 and planning the next tour from his hospital bed.

But to us, he was our friend — and we’ll remember him for his kindness and generosity, his fearsome intelligence, bad jokes, mad stories and endless cups of Darjeeling tea. He just so happened to be a bit of a genius too.

One of the best to ever do it, his influence on guitar music and the creative process was inspiring for us all, as well as everyone who worked alongside him and listened to his music. And his albums and production work speak for themselves. Go give ‘em a spin for him…

Love you mate.

Gill was born in 1956 in Manchester, England. Twenty years later, as a student in Leeds, he founded Gang Of Four with singer Jon King, bassist Dave Allen, and drummer Hugo Burnham. Although the band went through many different lineups, Gill remained the sole constant throughout.

In addition to his work with Gang of Four, Gill produced for artists like Red Hot Chili Peppers, the Stranglers, Michael Hutchence, Killing Joke, Therapy?, the Jesus Lizard, and the Futureheads. He is survived by his wife Catherine Mayer and his brother Martin.

Gang Of Four’s debut album Entertainment! celebrates its 40th anniversary this year. Revisit some of Gill’s work below.

Andy Gill. pic.twitter.com/DHNCz5lAe6

— GANG OF FOUR (@gangof4official) February 1, 2020

A statement from Jon King, Hugo Burnham, Dave Allen – Gang of Four. pic.twitter.com/9fRqDT12CH

— Gang Of Four 77-81 (@gangoffour77_81) February 1, 2020