Dave Allen, the iconic bassist for post-punk band Gang of Four, has passed away at the age of 69. The Kendal-born musician, who was known for his distinctive bass playing, died on Saturday, April 5, 2025. The news was shared by his surviving bandmates, Jon King and Hugo Burnham, via the band’s official Facebook page.
Allen grew up in a working-class family in Kendal before moving to Leeds, where he immersed himself in the local music scene. He played with Gang of Four from 1977 to 1981 and again from 2004 to 2008. In 1981, he also formed the band Shriekback, which still exists today.
In a heartfelt message, King and Burnham wrote: “It is with broken yet full hearts that we share the news that Dave Allen, our old music partner, friend, and brilliant musician, died on Saturday morning. He was at home with his family. Dave had endured the early-onset of mixed dementia for some years, which has been a heartbreaking time for his wife Paddy, his children, and close friends. Our love and thoughts are with them.”
They went on to recall their time spent with Allen, saying, “Jon and I [Hugo] went to see him and spent a lovely afternoon with him and the family. We talked and laughed for hours, sharing rich and vivid memories of good times together. Adventures, careers in music, raising families, our interwoven lives spanning half a century. We’ve been so very lucky to have had the Ace of Bass in our lives.”
The tribute continued, reflecting on Allen’s deep desire to continue performing: “We know that Dave would have wanted nothing more than to step onstage with us again in Portland on our farewell US tour. But it’s now a bridge too far. Goodbye, Old Friend.”
Gang of Four, known for their genre-defying sound, released several influential albums including Entertainment! (1979), Solid Gold (1981), Songs of the Free (1982), and Hard (1983). The band’s debut single, “Damaged Goods,” and other tracks like “At Home He’s a Tourist,” became anthems for a generation.
Tributes have poured in from fans across social media. Vaughan Redfern recalled his memories of Allen from his days playing in a jazz band at the Brewery Arts Centre in Kendal. “I always regretted not taking up his offer to give me bass lessons. Thanks for the memories,” he shared.
Dirk Schwarzhoff added, “His indelible bass lines on those GO4 recordings will continue to inspire for generations. My condolences to the GO4 family.”
Scott Munroe wrote, “This hits hard not only for the loss of a great bassist and 1/4 of a band that helped influence the way I approach music and sounds but as the son who also lost both parents and two grandparents to dementia. I’m glad I got to see him play with the original line-up in Athens, Georgia back in 2005. Rest in power, Mr. Allen.”
Dave Allen’s legacy as a foundational figure in post-punk and his contribution to music will continue to inspire musicians and fans alike.
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