Gang of Four

Gang of Four formed in Leeds in 1976, creating a sound that welded Marxist politics to funk rhythms and abrasive guitar. Andy Gill's guitar playing — all jagged, percussive scratching and sudden explosions of feedback — was enormously influential; it can be heard in the Red Hot Chili Peppers, R.E.M., and virtually every angular indie rock band that followed. Entertainment! (1979) is one of post-punk's essential albums, its songs about commodity fetishism and alienation delivered with a physical groove that made the politics inseparable from the dancing. Gill's production work for the Red Hot Chili Peppers' debut album directly transplanted Gang of Four's funk-punk DNA into the American mainstream. Gill continued performing until his death in 2020.