Tributes Pour in for 808 State Acid House Pioneer Andy Barker

The electronic music scene is mourning the death of 808 State bassist and keyboard player Andy Barker. Tributes are pouring into the band’s Facebook page following Barker’s passing on Saturday after a short illness. He was 53.

Barker’s passing was announced on social media yesterday. A post on 808 State’s Facebook page said: “It’s with a heavy heart I have to deliver the tragic news of the passing of Andy Barker.” A statement from his immediate family reads: “After a happy life Andrew Barker experienced a short period of illness and passed away in his hometown of Manchester yesterday, Saturday 6th November. His family and friends asks that people respect their privacy at this time but remember him for the joy he brought through his personality and music.”

Barker joined 808 State in 1989. The band, formed by Graham Massey, Martin Price and Gerald Simpson the previous year, are acid house pioneers. Barker and Darren Partington joined 808 State following Simpson’s departure to embark on his solo career as A Guy Called Gerald. The band’s hits include Pacific State, In Yer Face and The Only Rhyme That Bites. In recent years 808 State consisted of only Barker and Massey. They released their last album Transmission Suite in 2019.

Amazing Man

Industry peers and fans are paying tribute to Barker on social media. UK DJ Darren Emerson said: “This has absolutely floored me. I’m lost for words.” Yousef said Barker’s passing was “extremely sad”. The Circus boss added: “He was essentially responsible for opening my ears to the rave.” Steve Mac described Barker as “a true pioneer”. Calling Barker’s passing “a terrible shock”, Justin Robertson wrote: “What an amazing man he was. He brought so much joy to so many people.” Russ Morgan from K Klass said: “A very bright light has gone out.”

Tragic

Hip-hop fans are also in mourning following the tragic death of eight people at Travis Scott’s Astroworld Festival, in Houston, on Friday night. Hundreds more were injured as the crowd surged forward during Scott’s performance. The rapper is “absolutely devasted” by the tragedy. Posting on Twitter, Scott said: “My prayers go out to the families and all those impacted by what happened at Astroworld Festival. Houston PD has my total support as they continue to look into the tragic loss of life. I am committed to working together with the Houston community to heal and support families in need.”

Photo: Paul Husband

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