The Blog of Death

sad to hear of untimly dead played in some great bands now a legend

I'm incredibly sad to hear of John's death. He was without doubt one of the nicest men in the music business. I spent a couple of the most enjoyable years of my life following John around, when he was with the Armoury Show and later, with PIL. During that time he was incredibly generous with his time, making sure that I was included on his guest list and taking time to say Hi. He was a great guitarist and a lovely man. A true hero to me. I still have some great photos of John on my office wall. His music was exciting and new - a true original. God bless you John - miss you always.

John, I'll miss you. Magazine was my favourite band. I must have listened to Siouxsie's 'Juju' a hundred times. Nobody could play the 'Israel' intro like you did, neither Robert Smith, neither Dave Navarro who paid several hommages to you during impros at concerts, not forgetting Frusciante. You could bring magic into any weak PIL album. You basically were one of the only reasons why we could somehow listen to some good stuff in the 80s.

John McGeoch, I've always said "he is my favourite guitarist and, without a shadow of doubt, the greatest Banshees' guitarist". We all miss you John, you have given to us a lot of nice sensations to remember for out whole lives. Thanks a lot, see you later. RIP

I have only just now heard of John's passing. I had the great honour of meeting him on a couple of occasions. The first time was in my home town of Hull, in East Yorkshire, after The Armoury Show had played the Spring Street Theatre. I was invited backstage with my pal to meet the band and John even showed me how he played some guitar licks and let me play his favourite guitar. He had been my hero for a few years before that, and after, he was just a god to me. I have met a few musical "stars" but John was without doubt the nicest, warmest and most naturally gifted. There seemed to be no "show" with him. What you saw is what you got. My fondest memory is of when my pal and I went to see The Armoury Show in Sheffield, and we'd gone for a couple of beers in a local pub, and in walked John and Richard Jobson (Lyrics and Vocals). They recognized us from the Hull gig and we had (quite) a few pints together before they had to leave for the gig. I must have seemed like a starstruck fool, but both John and Richard were so down to earth, it was great. John gave me some songwriting tips which I still use today, albeit in a very modest home recording setup. A great musician and a great man.
John, the world is a poorer one without you.

I met and talked with him before the Banshees' 1980 San Francisco show. He just wanted to hang out for awhile and talk with some locals, I guess. He was their new guitarist, and just a natural, nice, easy-going guy who happened to be a "rock star." Wonderful guitarist, perfect for the Banshees' sound.

WOW!!!

I was doing a random search on Google for The Armoury Show and came across this sad news.

I was privileged to meet John during The Armoury Show days a couple of times and was impressed by the man's attitude and down-to-earth nature. Following then I listened to his work with both PiL and Magazine with interest. A sad loss indeed.

I never met John in person, but I wish I had. He is my hero, and a lot of my guitar playing is influenced by him. I am only 24, so I never had a chance of seeing him play live or anything, but his guitar playing is amazing, just to listen to the amazing intro in Spellbound, or his work with Magazine. I will always love his work with Magazine, the Banshees, and PIL. John McGeoch... I miss you!!!

I would just like to say to all the people who posted a tribute on this site thankyou they are all very much appreciated.
many thanx
Emily McGeoch (daughter of John)

Just wanted to pass on some good thoughts to someone who has given many excellent musical moments throughout his career with Magazine, The Banshees and PIL.

Thank You John.....

You are sadly missed.

wow, i cannot believe it.John Mc Geoch is gone. i was on the internet looking for some thing on Howard Devoto,and i came across this news. I have seen Siouxie and the Banshees numerous times.John McGeoch was such a great guitarist and had a unique style. Unfortunately i never got to meet John personally,but what i have read from the tributes that he was such a good bloke. So John where ever you might be,you will surely be missed,plus to know you got into a profession that helps people in need. I would haved to loved to work with you as a colleage........ bye JOHN,from RONALD Raymond

So sad to hear of John's death earlier this year, would just like to add what a genuine and likeable person he was. Once I saw him on a train from Doncaster (where he lived) to London in 1989 - he was going to rehearsals with PIL (big commute!), I had a great hour with him chatting about his great talents and tremendous portfolio of work.
I have been listening alot to Magazine lately and the quality (the whole thing) just shines through, now my daughter (13) knows who John was - music you can't beat it!

John's musical genius inspired me to learn to play guitar. I just wanted to say thank you for so many wonderful musical moments, both recorded and live.

I often wondered what his paintings were like - he said once that he liked to paint the same way he played guitar - big splashes of the big 'e' string.

An incredibly sad loss.

Only just found out about John McGeoch's sad death while doing a search for information about the Armoury Show. I saw them play in London in the mid-80s and was amazed that a guitarist could make so much sound from one guitar. Went out and got all the Armoury Show records after that and also stuff by PiL and the Banshees that John played on - all excellent guitar work. Never seemed to get the recognition he deserved as a musician, but good to see that someone says John made Mojo's 100 greatest guitarists list.

I was lucky to see McGeoch perform live with the Banshees in Sydney Australia in a small club called Salinas. I remember being extremely impressed with McGeoch guitar textural sound. However, I only recently discovered John’s genius by a listing of, The Smiths guitar player, Johnny Marr’s listing John McGeoch as one of his 10 favorite guitar players of all times. I bought the Banshees’ Juju and Magazines’ Real Life as recommended by Marr and was amazed by McGeoch haunting sound. I have also listened to many PIL and Peter Murphy albums but never knew McGeoch was the guitar player in these albums. It is unfortunate that he passed way, many generations to come will be new fans.

John was undoubtedly my favourite guitarist when I was a young man. I still listen to Magazine regularly and marvel at the originality. He was also class with the Banshees, Armoury Show, Visage and PIL. It is no surprise that many leading artists cite him as an influence.

A sad, sad loss.

RIP mate.

Ken Hughes.

Searchin' for some stuff about Visage and came across this.... Man, how many times I've tripped away with Arabian Knights, Happy House, Monitor.... A musician will remember musician by his craft. McGeoch was a one of the greatest.
Regerds to the family.

Oh, no! Just learned about this!

I remember being blown away by Magazine's Real Life, and then hearing this spine chilling guitar solo unearthly wail on Permafrost, from Secondhand Daylight. Years later, I was writing songs and playing guitar in a band. McGeoch's playing on those records was in the back of my mind. Around then came Armory Show. Castles in Spain, the throaty, full, rich guitar sound that was unmistakably John McGeoch.

And that same year, now, in retrospect, my other favorite guitarist, Robert Quine, apparently ended his life on May 31.

And John McGeoch's death, now, I know, in retrospect, happened just four days before my father's.

2004, not a good year, not a good year.

John McGeoch touched many people with his creativity, and shall continue to do so, for a long time.

Oh God - I just found this. Magazine were the first band I ever saw (Dec 78) and John's guitar work always touched me - incredibly powerful. He was brilliant with Magazine (the solo on Permafrost is my favourite of all time) but on Israel he was simply inspired. He is evidently already sadly missed...

Best work was with Magazine,very atmospheric and clever guitar work giving with the other members of the group my favourite band of all time.The only other comparable group is Wire.

Sad that we will not here his influence again.

I listened to Magazine just the other day (2005)and enjoyed their music just the same.

Perhaps he is now playing in beyond.

Searching for a "where are they now" article on John McGeoch, I just learned of his death.

John's work with Magazine, especially on songs like Permafrost, Give Me Everything, and of course Shot By Both Sides, sends a shiver through me every time I hear it. And how can we forget that gorgeous sax solo on The Thin Air.

He was without a doubt, one of the most creative musicians of the era.

Goodbye John and thanks.

Im totally gutted! Although I was never lucky enough to see John play live or meet him, Ive been a massive fan of his playing since I first bought "Waiting for the floods" ( The Armoury show)1985 and then discovered Magazine, The Banshees, Pil and his many studio sessions with Heaven 17, and Visage. Im a keyboard player who is still influenced by his original syle...Ive even got a sound in my synth called Mcgeoch!

Your trully missed John

A unique and original guitarist. Never forgotten amigo

I had no idea....Gutted. John was one of the most inspirational guitarists I ever heard and was a true virtuoso who'll be immensely missed....RIP.

Sad to hear of another great musician who changed many people's lives lost to the World.

There are not enough people like him in the World, but hopefully this will change.

John remains one of my favourite guitarists and, more than anyone else, inspired me as a musician. I cannot think of anyone as innovative or having such a unique "instantly recognisable" sound. I bought my Yamaha SG guitar because that's what John played. I implore everyone to listen to Real Life, Secondhand Daylight, Correct Use of Soap, JuJu etc. John, you will be greatly missed. God bless this true genius.
Bill

God Bless the best guitarist I've ever seen in all the concerts I've attended. The most recent performance I recall that created a whirlwind of outstanding guitar was at a PIL concert at the Universal Ampitheatre (in CA), where I and friends were able to get on the balcony close to John (wearing a day glo spotted poncho). THe concert was incredible and rings in my mind to this day. In patricular was the song "Worry," where John was able to create a guitar sound so powerful & mesmerising, the aucience was stunned. At the next appearance (the next evening) the crown was yelling "Worry" Worry"... John you will always be my favorite guitarist, #1 at the top of the list and I pray that you meet the Almighty. Your skills came from above, and we all appreciated that! - Court Eilertsen (

john mcgeoch was th emost innovative guitarist i ever saw. i met him a few times at armoury show gigs in 83/84 and he always made sure that you were put on the guest list etc, a genuinely nice person who i'm sure was not aware of his own genius. talking with him you could tell he genuinely loved music, had his own musical loves etc just like the rest of us. music truly does touch evryone and johns guitar work will live forever. somewhere in the world shot by both sides is being played, in fact i think i'll go and play it now.

I am so sad. I just learned about John's passing. He was a friend back in the day. We met through my friend Bruce Smith, drummer for PIL.
John was truly one of the nicest and most talented guys I've ever known. God bless you John. My heartfelt condolences to Emily and her Mom.

When I found out last year that John had passed I was shocked...it's very sad when those who have been culturally significant and who are more or less your peers (in age) are taken so suddenly, like when Joe Strummer passed away. It's heartbreaking because they, like me, now have children, who they will miss.
Like many here, I have lots of early memories of seeing John play in both magazine and siouxsie and the banshees in LA and London in the late 70s/early 80s. There are few individuals who play guitar in such an inspired way. Parents keep your records and share them with your kids - my 20 year-old daughter loves listening to "old school" punk!. Peace to John's family.

What a sad loss to the world John's death is. To me Magazine are the most underated band of all time. I seen them in Bristol in 1978 and was lucky enough to meet John and the rest of the band. I often wish i could be in that Colston Hall gig one more time.
Rest in peace John, never forgotten....

When I found out about John I felt empty ... as if I had lost someone very close to me.
I met John a few times ~ I followed the Banshees around the UK on the JuJu tour. John always told me which hotel the band was staying in (for later), and always put me on the guest list (along with a few others !). We had a few great parties on that tour !
Never pretentious, never false, John was a really down to earth genuinely great guy. He once said to me.. "don't worry if I can't remember your name as I meet so many people, but I'll remember your face.." ~ I met him a year or two later when the Banshees were playing Hong Kong.
He was doing his bit during the soundcheck and I was standing just off stage... He looked at me for a moment or two, then marched straight towards me holding out his hand to shake hands and said "Alan.. great to see you..how the hell did you get here.." What an excellent gig that was.
As for John's guitar playing, well.. no acclaim is enough for John's guitar work. Without John, the Banshees woud never have become the band they did. Pil, GenX, Armoury show, Magazine and many others are all indebted to John.

John, rest in peace.
Emily ~ your father was a very very special man

I did lose someone very close to me that day.
Alan H.

What a sad loss.....I saw John play back in the early 80's with the Banshees and he was a main reason why I learnt the guitar...
He looked like every time he played he was letting the listener in on a great melody or vibe that they had never heard before, and as for his earlier work with Magazine 'Shot by Both Sides' -he could kick arse with the best of them too!!

John Mcgeoch inspired me to pick up a guitar. Johns unique sound also inspired me to look for my own, sound. His unique sound and guitar technique are readily apparent as genius to any rock musician, even to those who don't particularly like the genre John was known for. What is amazing about John's music is even if accompanied by far weaker musicians, John's beautiful and haunting melodic dissonance, that intoxicating rhythmic technique would always shine through. I have never been heartbroken for the death of a musician, famous or not. No matter how revered their skill. But upon learning the news of Johns death, I was. We will Miss you John, and your inspiration lives on in so many!

This man was a fantastic guitarist...His spirit will never die,just listen to the guitar at the end of Philadelphia off Magazines' "Correct Use of Soap" and he is still with us....Thanks for the melodies,Mr.McGeoch.........The Light Poured Out of You.

Like many others, I found out about John's death while searching for info on the Armoury Show. I had forgotten about him playing on S&B's "Juju," which remains one of my favorite albums of all time. I played my Armoury Show cassette to its near-death, and thought of it today as an example of anthemic pop, which is near medicinal in its quality to make your heart beat. I saw the comment from John's daughter: your dad touched many different people from a distance. I pray you have at least 100 times more fond memories of him than we do. I am grateful.

Just listened to "Juju' and some tracks from "Kaleidoscope" tonight and I was really wondering what he was doing by now... Did not know that he played with Richard Jobson and PIL, but Magazine had so much influence on me, especially when John McGeoch was still part of the group. For I know of his work, "A kiss in the Dreamhouse" is absolutely fantastic. One of the best ever.
Merci pour l'heritage.

hope you the other great stuart adamson are creating what would have been the ultimate twin guitar sound 26.10.06

fantastic!

Thanks John - So much stuff has come and gone but your work and memory will be with us forever

John fue sin duda alguna el mejor guitarrista que escuche , esos riffs , tanto con siouxsie , magazine , pil .. john dueño de un sonido poderoso e imnobador , seguro que lo extrañaremos, i nunca lo olvidaremos ,para mi esos discos de siouxsie fueron los mejores mi favorito es juju ,pero es imposible no hablar de la guitarra en esos discos. hasta siempre john!.

Hector (From Argentina)

With no doubt, he was the alma-mater of all the bands in which he played. Unfortunately, I did not see him with the Banshees, but I saw him with PIL in San Sebastian (Basque Country). That was a pleasure to see him how easy he played, and the exquisite taste he had when choosing guitar sounds/effects; a very talented and original guitarist; I am sure Paco de Lucia, John McLaughlin, Ronnie Jordan, Django Reinhardt and other great guitarists would have found him extraordinary, too.

Beti gogoan.
iz

I was perusing YouTube and I saw the video for Magazine's Motorcade and it just reminded me of how unique John was. I saw him play with Siouxsie at the Ritz in NYC in 81/82? after Juju came out, and then I saw him with PiL, but his work with Magazine is what impresses me the most. I am glad people mentioned his playing on Permafrost and Philadelphia. I also love his playing on Stuck. WNYU's New Afternoon Show used to play that song as their club calendar theme every day. His playing is amazing on that one song. He was one of those guys who shined no matter what group he was playing with...

Harold
San Jose, CA

ju-ju is a monster of a record. all down to johns guitar. no new indie muppet silly hair and ties bands called 'the' can get near it or touch it.

Juju is an absolute masterwork. A whole generation was inspired by John's guitar work with the Banshees, and that album is still relevant and exciting today largely due to the axe work. Sadly sadly missed.

As a teenager I cut my teeth on Magazine and was lucky enough to see them live on a number of occasions. I remember the Trinity Hall concert in Bristol (1979) and was fortunate to get there too early. As a result I had front line viewing of the Magazine sound check. Later that evening as Pete Murphy and Bauhaus were blasting it out I found myself at the back of the hall standing next to John McGeoch and Dave Formula. As a fifteen year old these guys were my heroes and of course I was far too shy to say hello to them. It felt good to stand next to them though. Nearly 30 years later I still haven't found a substitute for Magazine and the other day I smiled when my thirteen year old daughter just couldn't believe the energy and originality in songs like SBBS and Burst.

John Mcgeoch along with the rest of Magazine keep me young, they were unique, he was unique and apart from being a clearly talented musician the previous tributes prove that he was a nice man too.

When I heard of his passing over two years ago now, part of my youth went too, but how great to have his music still.

Best regards to his family, albeit belatedly, and thank you for the opportunity to say these few words.

Tim
Zaragoza
Spain

Still gutted about John. He was the greatest guitarist ever, and I really do mean that. No-one else even comes close..

John McGeoch was easily the most important guitarist of the post-punk era and alternative music in general. He was the inspiration for me to learn the electric guitar and write songs.
He reinvented the electric guitar and should be canonised with the likes of Hendrix and others who came before.
It is unfortunate that in our fast-food-eating, mass-produced world of ever-coming and going trends that someone like this is not immortalised like the Beethoven or Mozart that he truly was.

A true artist.

May your legacy last forever.

very sad, just now found that john died. in a way i grew up with john, and the banshees. heard ju-ju for the first time in that cold, dark new england winter of 1982. i can not describe the effect that album and that GUITAR had on a young, sheltered, and clueless dirt-poor-workingclass-boy. over the years i have learned to enjoy and appreciate those songs from kaleidascope, ju-ju, and kiss in the dreamhouse even more. my best to john's loved ones.

-eric
oakland california

I saw john at the RoundHouse in Sydney University.
The year I can't remember.
I went to see the second act XTC.
All I can remember was how good Magazine were.
I can't even remember XTC.
Just John & Howard.
I didn't know John had passed away.
I listened to Play in the car today.
& here I am.
Depressed now.
God claims the bet too early.
Tony Smith

Sadly I never met John mcgeoch but did see him play on the juju tour at Brighton , I played Give me everything very loud to my 11 year old son on a sunny afternoon while driving in my car,I never asked for or got the cd back ,I just quietly ordered and replaced it the next day......a bleakly magnificent musician ,a virtuoso guitarist , the world is a blander place without him .....sorely missed but will never be forgotten

John - first saw you on the 'Old Grey Whistle Test' and was instantly smitten with the Magazine sound (The Light Pours Out of Me).

Within 12 months you, and the band had played twice in my city (on the second occasion supported by Simple Minds - Supported!) and forever affected the music (and style!) preferences of this schoolboy.

It seemed divinely just you should join the Banshees, another BIG favourite of mine.

John McGeoch - sincerely, sadly missed.

My lifelong ambition was to have a guitar lesson with John McGeoch. "John, Show me how to play".... Spellbound; Give Me Everything; Seattle; Philadelphia; Happy House and only just about every other song. it would only take a month or so.
I bought a Yamaha SG 1000, a Marshall 50, MXR flanger and Dynacomp. Did I sound anything like him? Er... no. And I've been playing for years.
I have a picture of John on my office wall. The day I read the Guardian Obit I went into a tailspin for a week.
I saw him play with Magazine in Cardiff and Pil in San Francisco I'm grateful for that.
Miss you John. Sorry to sound sentimental; he's been my inspirationor 30 years, without exaggeration.
Bugger.

Over 3 years since his tragic and untimely death, I've just stumbled across this blog and it's so good to hear such nice things said about John. I remember seeing John playing with the Banshees in Belfast in 1981. I was a Siouxsie-crazy 15 year-old, but more than anything was simply dazzled by John's phenomenal guitar playing. The other day my 11 year-old daughter was watching videos from the 80's on the internet (arabian Nights, Spellbound, Israel...) Nice memories of John. He lives on through these, and many many more. A true gentleman and a real person in an often fake profession. God bless John in heaven, and also his Wife and Daughter.

Am gutted to hear this sad news, John represented my youth, I was so fortunate to see magazine with simple minds ajanta cinema derby, What a man, with all my best to the family.am ever so sad.

I saw the John with the Banshees in 1980 at Numbers in Houston Texas where I grew up. Still have the image burned in my mind of him standing feet from me concentrating stareing down at his guitar. Im 43 now and still learning to play his songs. He was an amazing artist and a gift to the Banshees and rock music. Thank you John.

I'm stunned by hearing about John's death. I met John in Bermuda while he and his wife were on vacation. I played drums so I struck up conversation....Living in LosAngeles afterward was perfect because John was there recording with P.I.L. We got to hang out and he was always a great guy. God bless him and his family.

Only heard about Johns death recently,while looking for Magazine info.Had the great honour to see John at possibly his nadir(for a magazine fan),shortly before he left Magazine live at the Russel club Manchester around 1980.I was absoloutely astounded and couldn't figure out how he was getting those sounds.No doubt in my mind he was one of the greatest and definitely the most innovotive of all time.Nice to hear from others that he was the guy that he always appeared to be.He had the right to be a big head but he wasn't just a very down to earth bloke. Sadly missed never forgotten. mark.b Manchester

I saw Siouxsie and the Banshees back at Hammersmith or was it the Camden Palace. Mark and the Mambas (MArc Almond's alta ego group), was back up. I remember the mix of hard core punks and the emerging new wave who came to see Marc Almond. The feeling in the crowd become tense and political as nazi punks and socialist new wavers started to clash. John McGeoch played Happy House and Christine (I believe.) The mix of guitars and synthesizers seem to bring the crowd together. I can't believe I missed the news of his death, but after 20 years in California, I spose I can be forgiven. Does anyone know what caused his death? Regards.

j'ai croisé john, à Rome en 1986, fantastique concert, délire dans les rues de roma toute la nuit, s'achever à l'hotel de la ville , via sistina, boire des Bellinis jusqu'au bout de la nuit ;
Retour à Paris toujours aussi magique, quel sens de l'humour en plus de son talent et de sa gentillesse......Alessandra Viola et ses copains s'en souviennent sûrement......
Je suis trite, j'ignorais qu'il etait parti......
Tu restera un souvenir magique dans ma memoire. Anne(Nanou) ROMA PARIS

I saw Siouxsie on July 12 at Ostia (near Rome) and she's really fantastic, but we miss you John !
I remenber your concert in Genova 1981 and how kind you were to accept our request to play Christine and the Teatro Massimo fell down.
You are in our hearts forever. Ciao John, wherever you are now.