One of the most radical and innovative musicians ever, the incredible Alan Vega passed away in his sleep, aged 78. In 2012 the man suffered a heart attack and a stroke, but after a heart surgery he recovered and continued to perform with Suicide.
His death was announced by Henry Rollins on his radio show.
Suicide's pioneering, incomparable albums don't need introductions. There's five of them, released from 1977 to 2002 with quite long intervals distancing them and each of them, particularly the first two, is an essential listen for any fan of music. Not just underground or alternative or punk or electronic or any other type of music, but music as an art form in general. Period.
Fortunately, if those five Suicide LPs don't fill your belly, there are about a dozen of Alan Vega albums too, spanning the years from 1980 to 2010 and including collaborations with Ministry's Al Jourgensen, The Cars' Ric Ocasek, Big Star's Alex Chilton, Lydia Lunch, Genesis P-Orridge, Pan Sonic and more.
Alan is survived by his wife and music partner Liz Lamere and his son Dante.
ZR