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Gang of Four

From HitStory, the pop encyclopedia of School of Rock · Artist

Gang of Four is an English post-punk band, formed in Leeds in 1976. The original line-up consisted of singer Jon King, guitarist Andy Gill, drummer Hugo Burnham and bassist Dave Wolfson, who was replaced by Dave Allen after two gigs. The band drew on the Frankfurt School of social critique and on punk. The name came from Andy Corrigan of the Mekons, who saw a newspaper headline about the Chinese Gang of Four.

Music and breakthrough

The first single, Damaged Goods, with (Love Like) Anthrax and Armalite Rifle, was recorded in June 1978 and released on 10 December 1978 on the label Fast Product. It was a number 1 in the indie chart and a favourite of the radio presenter John Peel. The debut album Entertainment! followed in 1979, then Solid Gold in 1981, Songs of the Free in 1982 and Hard in 1983. The group later went through many different line-ups and released, among others, Return the Gift in 2005 and Happy Now in 2019.

Influence

The music is a stark mix of punk rock, funk and dub, with lyrics about the social and political problems of the time. Sharp, angular guitar sounds and a tightly playing rhythm section form the core. Gang of Four is considered one of the most important groups of post-punk. Entertainment! ranks high on Rolling Stone's list of the best albums, and many later bands built on this combination of politics and danceable rhythms.

Listening

Listening tip. Listen to Damaged Goods and follow the bass and the drums separately: can you hear how they lay down a funky, driving rhythm? Then notice the sharp, angular guitar playing on top of it.

Discography

Studio albums

See also

Categories: ArtistsPostpunk