This time of loss continues, and another gone-to-soon obituary to write. Andy Barker has died at age 53 “after a short period of illness” according to the group.
Barker joined 808 State in 1989 and has since been a core member, bassist, and keyboardist, right up to Transmission Suite with founder Graham Massey (who by that time was the only other remaining member).
And yes, there were gigs up to the end:
Music worth revisiting in remembrance today, too:
Also definitely don’t miss this thread, which nicely sums up the timeline of Barker’s entrance to the band – what came before, what came after, importantly the role of Gerald, in a better summary than what I’ve read in the press this week.
Deep condolences to his family, friends, and everyone he touched. A few remembrances that are posted publicly today (the family asks for respect for their privacy, though it seems also appropriate to share what they have said to the public):
Manchester of course has the obituary:
Tributes paid to ‘pioneer’ 808 State bassist Andrew Barker who has died aged 53 [Manchester Evening News]
A cause of death has not been made public. I know we have a time of more deaths ahead – with a pandemic still raging, and not only direct impacts but also still-as-yet-unknown indirect impacts of the disease and an overburdened healthcare system, on top of mortality that can always come sooner than we might hope. But to the extent that we are connected to that and to more online information about those we lose, I hope we continue to express our grief and value our loved ones around us. Take care, everyone.
More interviews from the official site – great vintage reading:
Andy Barker (808 State) Interview Of The Month [r2d]
POSTCARDS FROM 88… Andy Barker, 808 State [909 originals]
808 State – Andy Barker Exclusive Interview [I