Richard H. Kirk, Founder of Industrial Pioneers Cabaret Voltaire, Dead at 65

Kirk is on the far left. Photo via Wikipedia.
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Sad news today for the goth and industrial worlds, as Richard H. Kirk, one of the founding members of influential industrial act Cabaret Voltaire, has died. He was 65 years old.

According to Consequence of Sound, Kirk’s death was confirmed  by British indie record label Mute Records, who wrote on their Twitter, “It is with great sadness that we confirm our great & dear friend, Richard H. Kirk has passed away. Richard was a towering creative genius who led a singular & driven path throughout his life & musical career. We will miss him so much. We ask that his family are given space.”

A cause of death has not been revealed at this time.

Formed in Sheffield, UK, Cabaret Voltaire came together in the late ’70s, adopting the name of the Zurich nightclub where the Dadaist movement was founded. The crew became well known for their use of old tape equipment and electronic devices to create “music without musical instruments.” The band acted as a performance art crew early on, but moved their focus primarily to music as they began incorporating elements of pop and dance music into their sound. One can hear the early seeds of acts like Nine Inch Nails, Godflesh, and Ministry in their sound.

Everyone at The Pit sends their heart out to Kirk’s family, friends, fans and collaborators during this difficult time.

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Words by Chris Krovatin