Gang of Four is one of the most radical, and radically important, rock groups of the last 30 years.
Formed in Leeds in 1976, Gang of Four first performed in May 1977. All the big bands that followed, the Chili Peppers, INXS, R.E.M., U2, have spoken of their debt to Gang of Four but in more recent years, the band’s influence has become almost universal with the emergence of post-punk influenced bands such as the Rapture, Radio 4, Futureheads, Nine Inch Nails, Franz Ferdinand and Bloc Party. The band is led by guitarist, songwriter and vocalist Andy Gill, widely acclaimed as an innovator and much copied around the world. Gill also produced most of Gang of Four's output, including the 2006 album Return The Gift and 2011’s critically acclaimed album Content. Gill has also produced albums for many other artists including the Red Hot Chili Peppers, the Jesus Lizard, the Stranglers, the Futureheads, Michael Hutchence and Bono, Therapy?, Regurgitator and Killing Joke. His most recent production work was in Beijing in December 2012, recording Chinese rock band AV Okubo.
“Tight and rambunctious”, “precise but deliberately human”: Gang of Four’s rhythm section, featuring Thomas McNeice on bass, has won acclaim over years and across continents as the engine of the band’s compelling live performances. Singer John Gaoler has been described as “captivating,” with an “uncommon voice”, and has been working with Gang of Four for the last two years, recording new material and performing at sold out gigs in China, Japan and all over Europe. Gang of Four are currently working on a new album which will be released in 2014.
