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Remembering Jeffrey Runnings: A Musical Legacy

Jeffrey Runnings, the esteemed vocalist and bassist of the Nebraska post-punk band For Against, passed away on March 3 after a courageous battle with stage 4 cancer, as confirmed by Independent Project Records. Bruce Licher, founder and co-owner of Independent Project Records, reflected on Runnings in a heartfelt statement. He remarked, “Jeffrey Runnings was not only a good friend and an outstanding musician and songwriter, but someone whose life revolved around music. His unique voice will be missed on so many levels.” At the age of 61, Runnings leaves behind a substantial musical legacy.

Born in Omaha, Nebraska in 1963, Runnings played a pivotal role in shaping the sound of For Against, a band he co-founded in 1984 in Lincoln. Initially starting as the keyboardist, he transitioned to bass and vocals as the band solidified its lineup, which included guitarist Harry Dingman III and drummer Gregory Hill. The band’s debut album, Echelons, was released in 1987 under the Independent Project Records label, followed by several successful albums such as December (1988), In the Marshes (1990), and Aperture (1993).

Over the next 15 years, For Against continued to produce music actively, concluding their series of full-length albums with Never Been in 2009. The band’s early work saw renewed interest when Captured Tracks released a box set of their first three albums in 2014, while earlier reissues by Words on Music in the early 2000s had set the stage for their enduring legacy. Additionally, in 2018, a limited edition vinyl box set was released by Saint Marie, featuring select albums from the 1990s.

In a notable personal project, Runnings recorded a solo album titled Piqued, anticipated for release later this year. This album will feature a four-track EP containing rare recordings from the late 1980s, and earlier this year, he shared “Batman Forever,” the lead single from his upcoming solo effort.

Reflections on Jeffrey Runnings

Bruce Licher elaborated on Runnings’ enduring passion for music, sharing insights into their friendship. “Jeff was always enthusiastically sharing music that he thought his friends would enjoy. For years, he sent me handwritten letters along with records he believed I should have, or mixtapes that he created specifically for me. Even in this digital age, he presented his new album to me on a cassette tape through the mail—a truly special gesture.” Licher concluded his tribute by emphasizing the void that Runnings’ unique voice will leave in the music world.

Source
pitchfork.com