Photo credit: www.rollingstone.com
Gang of Four Announces Final Tour Featuring Iconic Collaborators
Iconic English post-punk band Gang of Four has confirmed a special lineup for their upcoming farewell tour, which will include Ted Leo, Belly, and L7’s Gail Greenwood, alongside founding drummer Hugo Burnham and vocalist Jon King.
In a message shared on Instagram, the band extolled Greenwood’s abilities, describing her as a “fantastic bass player” and highlighting her engaging stage presence, noting her debut with the band last year. They also expressed excitement about Leo’s contribution, stating, “He’ll bring his own guitar magic to the shows, built on a deep love of the classic Gang of Four material. It’s going to be amazing.”
On Blue Sky, Leo expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration with his musical heroes, stating, “I could not be more honored or excited.”
Last fall, Gang of Four announced their North American farewell tour, which was initially set to feature King, Burnham, and guitarist David Pajo, who joined the band in 2022. Although Pajo is stepping away to focus on his own projects, he affirmed that his experience with the band was a personal highlight, referring to it as “a dream come true.”
The “Long Goodbye” tour will commence on April 20 in Boston and continue through May 29 in San Diego. Concertgoers can expect a unique performance format featuring two sets: the first will showcase their acclaimed 1979 debut album, Entertainment!, in its entirety, while the second set will include a selection of fan favorites from their extensive discography.
Upon announcing their farewell tour, Gang of Four reflected on their lasting legacy, stating, “It’s been wonderful, but all things must end. We want to go out with a bang and celebrate with our fans and friends.”
The band formed in the mid-1970s, consisting originally of King, Burnham, guitarist Andy Gill, and bassist Dave Wolfson, who was later replaced by Dave Allen. Over the years, Gang of Four experienced numerous lineup changes, yet Gill remained the constant driving force until his passing in 2020. The current lineup, featuring King and Burnham, resumed activity in 2021 and has included notable musicians such as Pajo, bassist Sara Lee, and Linda Pardee.
Source
www.rollingstone.com