In Memory of David Thomas from Pere Ubu: A Tribute by Sean Kitching
David Thomas, Visionary Frontman of Pere Ubu, Passes Away at 73
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In an abrupt piece of news that reverberates through the music world, David Thomas, the stalwart leader of the avant-garde rock band Pere Ubu and the indelible Crocus Behemoth, has passed away at the age of 73. Known for his eccentric artistry and visionary creativity, Thomas succumbed to a long battle with ill health, leaving behind a legacy as complex and multifaceted as his music.
Thomas’s remarkable journey began in the early 1970s as a writer and columnist for Cleveland’s iconic weekly magazine The Scene. Under the quirky moniker Crocus Behemoth, he would soon make an indelible mark on the music landscape, an early pioneer whose innovations in sound would carve out space for both punk and post-punk movements. His short-lived stint with Rart-alongs Rocket From The Tombs hinted at the raw potential that would bloom in Pere Ubu, a name that quickly became synonymous with artistic daring and sonic experimentation.
Over the course of 18 studio albums, Thomas, the only original member still active with the band up until 2023’s Trouble On Big Beat Street, continually transformed the sound of Pere Ubu. Albums like Cloudland and Worlds In Collision seamlessly blended elements of classic pop Americana with haunting avant-garde textures. His innovative approaches to remixing and remastering albums like The Tenement Year and Lady From Shanghai blurred the lines of traditional musicianship, serving as both a testament to his restless creativity and a cornerstone of Ubu’s unparalleled vision.
“David Thomas was a colossus,” wrote long-time fan Sean Kitching in a heartfelt tribute. He recounted seeing Pere Ubu perform live multiple times, echoes of which still resonate in his memory as some of the greatest concerts he has ever witnessed. From the vibrant pop Americana of 2013’s Bush Hall show to the grandiose performance of Grand Guignol in 2018, Thomas ushered audiences through a dynamic journey of sound that challenged boundaries and ignited imaginations.
As the frontman and creative mastermind, Thomas’s avant-garde stylings were frequently dubbed “the science-fiction Stooges” by critics. But to the uninitiated, Ubu’s music offered a glimpse into a phantasmagoric reality that echoed the ambivalence of the American landscape. The haunting brilliance of tracks like "30 Seconds Over Tokyo," a precursor to punk’s raw energy, stands as a testament to Thomas’s foresight and genius.
Notably, Pere Ubu served as a melting pot of talent, with Thomas at its helm steering its ever-evolving ship. When Mayo Thompson of Red Krayola joined the ensemble in 1980, it was evident that Ubu was far from finished. The band would weather the storms of industry chaos, their unique sound influencing bands from Joy Division to The Talking Heads. And through it all, Thomas remained nigh-untouchable as a dynamic performer, renowned for his avant-garde theatrics, both charming and enigmatic on stage.
While Thomas’s gruff demeanor sometimes clashed with those around him—a fact well-documented amongst fellow musicians and engineers—it was this very intensity that fueled his relentless exploration of sound. Much like the late Mark E. Smith of The Fall, Thomas lived and breathed the ‘monster’ persona, crafting art that often resonated with the darkness of human existence.
During lockdown, Thomas found creative refuge by presenting ‘DPK (Datapanik) TV’ from his studio in Hove, a vibrant outlet that offered fans a glimpse into his world. Recent word from Ubu Projex revealed that he had been working on an album intended to be his swan song, along with an autobiography, both now eagerly awaited by those who revered his work.
As fans extend their condolences across the internet and the alternative music community comes to grips with this loss, it’s clear that David Thomas’s artistic legacy is woven into the very fabric of American music. His exploration of sound and relentless creativity will inspire generations to come. As Kitching aptly summarised, “David, thanks for all the tunes.”
