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Biography
The band's debut record, "Entertainment!", broke the top 10 best of 1970s list on Pitchfork media. The site described it as "caustic and bursting with disgust for unethical capitalism", as well as being "of course, remarkably danceable." None other than Nirvana frontman, Mr. Cobain, included the record in his list of top albums. Tom Morello of Rage Against the Machine has also described "no one more influential" than Andy Gill, with his memorable guitar sound forming the hallmark of Gang of Four's distinctive aesthetic. Indeed, their influences have spread far and wide, with the likes of LCD Soundystem, Bloc Party, REM and the Red Hot Chili Peppers referencing the band, among many many more.
Gang of Four's album, "What Happens Next", released February 2015, is their first since the departure of previous vocalist Jon King. "The focus is more on universal issues, like how individuals behave in certain ways or how our world is constructed, than local issues or current affairs," described guitarist Gill. Gill has spent recent years re-imagining the band from afresh, and "What Happens Next" is just the next logical step for a band still pioneering their sound, and still at the top of their live game.
Live reviews
To hear the edgy, angular guitars and the thumping bass lines of Gang of Four in a live setting is sure to make one ecstatic. Gang of Four was one of the formative bands in the post-punk movement, and they gained a strong following due to their abilities to blend the styles of punk and dance music so perfectly. Gang of Four is well-versed band. Their music can make you think just as much as it can make you dance. Their lyrics often provide cutting edge commentaries on the problems of politics and society. Their lyrics are very thought provoking and Rolling Stone magazine has even gone on to call them “probably the best politically motivated band in rock and roll”.
Gang of Four delivers an exhilarating performance with Andy Gill’s jarring guitar playing being layered over funky, bass groves and passionate, captivating singing. Gang of Four manages to stay enjoyable with their catchy, danceable style of performing, but they remain interesting with their avant-garde and experimental approach to presenting the music. Not only have Gang of Four won the hearts of their audience, but they have also inspired numerous of respectable bands such as R.E.M., Nirvana, and Red Hot Chili Peppers.
Gang of Four still continues to release politically charged, danceable punk records, and tours ever so often presenting their unique art of music making. If ever given the privilege to catch these guys live you will most likely hear them crank up their classic songs like “Damaged Goods” and “At Home He’s a Tourist” or you might hear some songs of their newest album, Content.
Leeds based punk rockers Gang of Four have been active on the circuit for over an impressive three decades and in that time they have learned a lot about the live format and the importance of musical credibility in regards to an overall show. There are some things you must learn by toiling, gigging and working hard and this heightened level of expertise has been well and truly achieved by this group.
The instrumental ability of the quartet is applaudable as they do not miss a note the whole evening, which is surprising due to the often unpredictable melodic structure of some of their best known tracks. They remain equally passionate about politics to this date and the fires that inspired some of the work on their first album 'Entertainment!' are still evident as they make impassioned speeches about Britain's future. The tone is lifted for a finale reaching on their most widely appealing songs including 'What We All Want', 'He'd Send In The Army' and of course 'At Home He's a Tourist'. In a time of social insecurity, it is refreshing for a band to still remind us music has power in the game of politics.
Andy Gill and the Bhoys "Gang of Four"
We're better than the recordings I have been listening to for years, saw them once before many years ago on a much bigger stage Radio City Music Hall and it seemed to me last night that this is a man AG is very capable of finding talent or talent finding him, but also adapting to the changes,at first I thought they were a bit apprehensive with such a small crowd, partly due to the weather,
But Gang of Four showed up to play a gig, like true professionals and gave the crowd a sublime rock performance
Andy on point on guitar, powerful and tight rhythm duo, and a perfect enthusiastic front man to sing those songs so perfectly
Gang of Four were awesome in Paris, new line up as tight (if not tighter) as before, new songs went down well. It was a hard core Gang of Four audience who know how great the band is live and know their legacy. They are still as relevant today as they're always been. They don't play live a lot anymore, but they should, a younger audience is out there to grab when music today is so mediocre and says "nothing". Vive Le Gang of Four
Absolutely Brilliant Show! I have attended hundreds of live music events, and Gang of Four 2019 is in my top 5 shows. They were that good!
John Gaoler is the greatest frontman ever: such energy and audience engagement. The band was tight and the audience were fully engaged.
Came away feeling fully satisfied and with 2 tour shirts. That’s a sure sign of an excellent show.
Such a pleasure to hear some of the original post-punk pioneering tracks from Gang of Four live & up-close. Intimate gigs always have the best vibe. Shame about the sound levels on the microphones. Too low. 4/5.