Bruce C. Allen
1955 – December 7, 2009
Bruce C. Allen was the lead guitarist for influential Minneapolis alternative rock band, the Suburbs. Formed in 1977, the band released their first several albums on respected indie label, Twin Tone beginning in 1978. By the mid ’80s, the band was signed with Mercury Records and building a following across the U.S. while touring with the likes of Iggy Pop and the B-52s. The band still retains a solid core fanbase to this day even though they have been broken up since 1987. Allen was also a talented graphic artist, best remembered for the Twin Tone logo as well as the Replacements’ iconic Let It Be album cover. In ailing health over the past several years, Allen was admitted to a local hospital in recent weeks for uncontrollable bleeding and internal organ failure. Bruce C. Allen, 54, passed away after being taken off life support on December 7, 2009.
What You Should Own
Bruce Allen was a huge influence on my learning to play guitar as a youngster! The music is still awesome. He will be missed by many. ~ Tom Delaney
What a bummer…
Love is the, love is law!
I used to see them at the Saints Roller Rink in St. Paul, MN in the mid 80’s. I remember Beej would become un-glued on stage – like he was in another world. His intense stage presence and passion will not be forgotton and all for a bunch of 14 – 18 year olds. I still have a Suburbs pick from one of their shows.
I first saw the Suburbs at Duffeysin Mpls.They would stun the crowds.It was voodoo music. I knew Bej through the MacMilians. We would talk music over at Duncan and Sally’s place on the holidays. They were all good people. Bruce will be missed