Andy Barker, a longtime member of English acid house pioneers group 808 State, has died. The Manchester electronic outfit confirmed Barker's passing on social media this weekend after "a short period of illness." He was 53.
"After a happy life Andrew Barker experienced a short period of illness and passed away in his hometown of Manchester yesterday, Saturday 6th November," the artist's immediate family wrote in a statement shared by 808 State. "His family and friends asks that people respect their privacy at this time but remember him for the joy he brought through his personality and music. You'll be sadly missed"
Following the departure of Gerald Simpson, Barker joined 808 State in 1989 as one half of the Spinmasters, a DJ duo with Darren Partington. His first release with the group came that year with EP Quadrastate, arriving ahead of the group's sophomore album 90.
808 State's 1991 follow-up, ex:el, featured guest vocals from Björk and Bernard Sumner. Barker's final album with 808 State remains the group's most recent release: 2019's Transmission Suite, which marked their first full-length album in 17 years.
Barker's passing leaves Graham Massey as 808 State's lone remaining member.
"After a happy life Andrew Barker experienced a short period of illness and passed away in his hometown of Manchester yesterday, Saturday 6th November," the artist's immediate family wrote in a statement shared by 808 State. "His family and friends asks that people respect their privacy at this time but remember him for the joy he brought through his personality and music. You'll be sadly missed"
Following the departure of Gerald Simpson, Barker joined 808 State in 1989 as one half of the Spinmasters, a DJ duo with Darren Partington. His first release with the group came that year with EP Quadrastate, arriving ahead of the group's sophomore album 90.
808 State's 1991 follow-up, ex:el, featured guest vocals from Björk and Bernard Sumner. Barker's final album with 808 State remains the group's most recent release: 2019's Transmission Suite, which marked their first full-length album in 17 years.
Barker's passing leaves Graham Massey as 808 State's lone remaining member.
