David Thomas, lead singer of experimental band Pere Ubu, passes away at age 71
David Thomas, the dynamic frontman of the avant-garde rock group Pere Ubu, has passed away at the age of 71. The band announced Thomas’ death on their official Facebook page, citing a prolonged illness as the cause. Thomas passed away in his hometown of Brighton & Hove, surrounded by his wife and youngest stepdaughter. As he took his last breaths, the iconic tunes of MC5 played in the background. His final wish was to be laid to rest in the Pennsylvania farm he called home, with a poetic request to be “thrown in the barn.”
A Miami native, Thomas was a central figure in Cleveland’s experimental rock underground scene, which also birthed influential groups like Devo and Nine Inch Nails. His musical journey began with Rocket From the Tombs, a band that never officially released an album but left a lasting impact on the local music scene. Thomas stood out not only for his ethereal high voice but also for his unconventional choice of wearing academic attire onstage, creating a unique presence that matched the band’s distinctive sound.
Following Rocket From the Tombs, several members, including Thomas, formed Pere Ubu in 1975, drawing inspiration from a play by French writer Alfred Jarry. The band’s sound, characterized by experimental dissonance, rhythmic complexities, and Thomas’ poetic lyricism, was a departure from the more aggressive punk movement of the time. Their 1978 album, “The Modern Dance,” was a pivotal moment in post-punk and new wave music, influencing a generation of musicians despite facing limited commercial success.
Over the years, Pere Ubu released 19 studio albums, showcasing Thomas’ evolution as an artist and storyteller. Their 1978 LP, “Dub Housing,” and 1979’s “New Picnic Time” pushed boundaries with abrasive sounds and dark themes, influencing future acts like Sonic Youth. Thomas also ventured into solo work, collaborating with renowned artists like Richard Thompson and Hal Willner. Even in his final days, Thomas dedicated himself to creating new music, as Pere Ubu confirmed that a posthumous album was in the works, ensuring that his last musical expressions would be shared with the world.
As the music community mourns the loss of David Thomas, his legacy lives on through his groundbreaking contributions to experimental rock and unwavering dedication to artistic expression. His autobiographical work, nearly completed before his passing, will be finished by his bandmates, ensuring that his story continues to inspire and resonate with audiences for years to come.