Died On This Date (November 11, 2012) John Napier / Ethyl Meatplow

John Napier
DOB Unknown – November 11, 2012

John Napier was a founding member of influential ’90s industrial band, Ethyl Meatplow.  Formed in the early ’90s, the band released their first and only album, Happy Days, Sweetheart, in 1993. Although critically acclaimed, the album didn’t fair as well with consumers.  Ethyl Meatplow did, however, find a mostly receptive audience for their live shows which were known to be somewhat explicit and generally included nude dancers.  Along the way, the band toured with such acts as Front 242 and Thrill Kill Kult.  After the band broke up, Napier went on to play with E. Coli and Buccinator.  He was also a touring member of Nitzer Ebb.  In later years, Napier, who had a Master’s Degree in Social Work, worked with troubled children.  On November 11, 2012, John Napier died of what was initially reported as uncertain causes.

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Ethyl Meatplow

Died On This Date (November 24, 2010) Peter “Sleazy” Christopherson / Throbbing Gristle

Peter Christopherson
February 27, 1955 – November 24, 2010

Known by the stage name, Sleazy, Peter Christopherson is best remembered as a founding member of British avant-garde industrial band, Throbbing Gristle.  He was also part of such projects  Psychic TV, Coil, Soisong, and The Threshold HouseBoy’s Choir. Throbbing Gristle formed in 1975, with Christopherson mostly handling synthesizers and vibraphone.  The group developed a very loyal following thanks in part to their sometimes controversial shows that often included disturbing visuals of Nazi concentration camps and pornography.  Throbbing Gristle  were pioneers of incorporating prerecorded tapes, or “samples” into their shows, and paved the way for such bands as Skinny Puppy, Nine Inch Nails, Front 242.  The group broke up in 1981 but then reformed in 2004.   Remarkably prolific, they recorded numerous albums for the highly influential Mute Records, also the one-time home for Depeche Mode, The Birthday Party, Nick Cave and Erasure, to name a few.   While he wasn’t making music, Christopherson was a video director, graphic artist, and photographer.  Peter Christopherson passed away in his sleep on November 24, 2010.  Cause of death was not immediately released.  He was 55.

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20 Jazz Funk Greats (Remastered) - Throbbing Gristle