The music world has lost a remarkable talent: Dave Allen, the legendary bass guitarist who played a pivotal role in shaping the sound of the influential British post-punk band Gang of Four during their formative years, has passed away at the age of 69. Allen was not only a key figure in Gang of Four but also went on to establish the innovative group Shriekback, showcasing his versatility and creativity in the music scene.
The heartbreaking news of Allen’s passing was shared by his former Gang of Four bandmate, Hugo Burnham, on Sunday, April 6. This announcement resonated deeply within the music community, highlighting the profound impact Allen had on his peers and fans alike.
Burnham expressed his sorrow on the band’s official Instagram account, stating, “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.” The heartfelt message was accompanied by a tribute featuring several photographs that captured the essence of Allen’s life and career.
“The past few years have been incredibly challenging for Dave, as he bravely faced the early onset of mixed dementia, a condition that has brought heartache to his wife Paddy, their children, and close friends. Our thoughts and love are with them during this difficult time,” Burnham continued. He added, “Jon and I [Hugo] went to visit him and spent a lovely afternoon reminiscing with him and his family. We shared laughter and joy, recalling vivid memories of our time together, the adventures we embarked on, our flourishing careers in music, and the families we raised, all woven together over the past fifty years. We’ve been truly fortunate to have had the Ace of Bass in our lives. Dave would have loved the opportunity to perform with us once more in Portland during our farewell US tour. Sadly, that dream is now unattainable. Farewell, dear friend.”
Allen’s journey with Gang of Four began in Leeds in 1976, where he joined forces with Burnham, Jon King, and Andy Gill. He made a significant impact as the bassist on the band’s groundbreaking debut album, Entertainment!, released in 1979, and their critically acclaimed follow-up, Solid Gold, in 1981. Although neither album achieved commercial success in the U.S. market, the band’s early work left an indelible mark on the music scene, influencing prominent artists such as Michael Stipe, Flea, and Kurt Cobain, who notably included Entertainment! in his top 50 albums list published in his posthumous work, Journals.
In 1981, Allen took a bold step by founding Shriekback alongside Barry Andrews, known for his work with XTC and The League of Gentlemen. Together, they produced a series of albums that showcased their unique sound and artistic vision, further solidifying Allen’s status in the music industry.
Allen’s musical journey did not end there; he rejoined Gang of Four for a reunion with the original lineup in the mid-2000s and also collaborated with various other bands, including The Elastic Purejoy and Low Pop Suicide. His contributions to the music landscape have been significant and enduring.
The music community is still mourning the loss of Andy Gill, the founding guitarist of Gang of Four, who passed away in 2020. With Allen’s departure, another chapter in the band’s storied history has come to a close, leaving behind a rich legacy.
Allen’s expertise extended well beyond his performances on stage and in the recording studio. In recent years, he co-founded DinWorkshop, where he served as the director of music relations. This consultancy and design studio was dedicated to collaborating with musicians and fostering innovation in the music industry. His passion for music and technology was evident in every project he undertook.
Prior to this, Allen held significant roles in artist relations and advocacy at Apple Music and Beats Music. He also worked as the business development director in consumer digital audio services at Intel, and in the late 1990s, he was the general manager at eMusic. Throughout his illustrious career, Allen was a sought-after speaker and panelist, sharing his insights on digital strategy, music, and technology at renowned events such as SXSW, CMJ, and SF Music Tech.
