John Waddington, the founding guitarist of the Pop Group, has died at the age of 63. No cause of death has been revealed.
The band announced the news on social media, calling Waddington an "influential musician, and an integral member of the group." They added, "John's energy and friendship will be sorely missed, and his unforgettable musicianship will always be remembered."
The sarcastically-titled Pop Group formed in Bristol in 1977 by Mark Stewart, and the band became known for their unconventional fusion of genres and political lyrics. Their unique style — which built on and expanded the simplistic and conventional punk style — helped shape what is now known as post-punk with the release of their trailblazing album, Y, in 1979. Although they disbanded in 1980, their legacy lives on and would influence countless bands to come, including Sonic Youth and Massive Attack.
The Pop Group reunited in 2010 and went on to release their first album in 35 years, Citizen Zombie, in 2015. Waddington has been absent from Pop Group reunions, but joined fellow post-punk act Maximum Joy shortly after the Pop Group's initial disbandment. He also contributed to works by New Age Steppers, Judy Nylon and Lily Allen.
Stewart, the band's vocalist, passed away earlier this year.
The band announced the news on social media, calling Waddington an "influential musician, and an integral member of the group." They added, "John's energy and friendship will be sorely missed, and his unforgettable musicianship will always be remembered."
The sarcastically-titled Pop Group formed in Bristol in 1977 by Mark Stewart, and the band became known for their unconventional fusion of genres and political lyrics. Their unique style — which built on and expanded the simplistic and conventional punk style — helped shape what is now known as post-punk with the release of their trailblazing album, Y, in 1979. Although they disbanded in 1980, their legacy lives on and would influence countless bands to come, including Sonic Youth and Massive Attack.
The Pop Group reunited in 2010 and went on to release their first album in 35 years, Citizen Zombie, in 2015. Waddington has been absent from Pop Group reunions, but joined fellow post-punk act Maximum Joy shortly after the Pop Group's initial disbandment. He also contributed to works by New Age Steppers, Judy Nylon and Lily Allen.
Stewart, the band's vocalist, passed away earlier this year.
