John Waddington, popularly known for being the founding guitarist of the renowned English post-punk band The Pop Group, has passed away at the age of 63.
The tragic news was confirmed by the group on their official Twitter account by sharing a black-and-white photo of the late musician sitting in a shore while being fully clothed.
His surviving bandmates described him as someone who was "An influential musician, and an integral member of the group," they added that their old friend also "contributed to some of the band's most iconic recordings."
JOHN WADDINGTON - 01/01/1960 - 20/06/2023
— The Pop Group (@ThePopGroup) June 21, 2023
John Waddington – former guitarist and founding member of The Pop Group – has passed away. An influential musician, and an integral member of the group, John contributed to some of the band’s most iconic recordings. (1/3) pic.twitter.com/W1KT1h5KFQ
In the thread, they shared some of his contributions throughout their career including playing for the first two records titled "Y" and "For How Much Longer Do We Tolerate Mass Murder?"
In addition to being a guitarist and co-founding member of The Pop Group, he was also a part of Maximum Joy in his latter years.
"His energy and friendship will be sorely missed, and his unforgettable musicianship will always be remembered," the band concluded.
As of this writing, John Waddington's cause of death remains a mystery as his family has yet to share details or a statement regarding his passing.
The Pop Group History
According to Pitch Fork, the band started their career in Bristol, England, in 1977. They were able to drop their first-ever album "Y" that same year.
The Pop Group was a unique band at the time as they loved experimenting with different sounds such as punk, funk, postpunk, and many more.
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They continued playing and releasing more songs throughout the following decade through their record label, Rough Trade before they ultimately disbanded in 1981.
Original members include Mark Stewart, Waddington, and Simon Underwood. The three later decided to expand and add Gareth Sager and Bruce Smith to the lineup. Around the late '70s, Underwood left and Dan Catsis took the job of being a bassist for the group.
The Pop Group Reunion
After disbanding decades ago, three of the original members: Smith, Sager, Catsis, and Stewart, later reunited with each other in 2010. They reissued their 1980 record in 2014 titled "We Are Time."
By 2015, the group dropped "Citizen Zombie" which is their first studio album in more than three decades.
John Waddington was not the first member to pass away as his good pal and former bandmate, Mark Stewart, died on April 21, 2023, at the age of 62.
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