Do the Gang of Four need an introduction? Well, I ‘d expect most of you to be aware of their ‘Damaged Goods’ EP (1978) their first three albums ‘Entertainment’, ‘Solid Gold’ and ‘Songs of the Free’ (in 1979, 1981 and 1982, respectively) and the superb single ‘To Hell with Poverty’ in 1981. One further album, the disappointing ‘Hard’, appeared in 1983 before they split later that year, but the background story can be a bit complicated at times.
The roots of the band stretch back as far as 1976, when singer Jon King met guitarist Andy Gill. It would take a little longer to for them to find drummer Hugo Burnham and bassist Dave Allen but together they released a series of records that remain stunning and relevant to this day. Dave Allen left the band in 1981, replaced by Sara Lee who would remain in the band until they broke-up.
Jon and Andy began working together on different projects towards the late Eighties, and these eventually resulted in two further albums; ‘Mall’ in 1991 (featuring renowned bass player Gail Ann Dorsey) and ‘Shrinkwrapped’ in 1995.
Another hiatus occurred until 2004 when, unexpectedly, it was announced that the original King/Gill/Burnham/Allen line-up would be reuniting to play live and possibly work on new material. The gigs lived-up to all expectations, with the band sounding better than ever, and the following year saw the release of a CD entitled ‘Return the Gift’, featuring new recordings of tracks from their first three albums plus a second disc of remixes. However, internal problems began to appear again leading to the departure of Dave Allen and a little later Hugo Burnham, before the much anticipated new album ‘Content’ was released in 2011. It was received enthusiastically by both fans and critics, but after the ensuing touring, it was announced that Jon King was also leaving the band. Controversially, Andy Gill would then choose to continue recording and playing live as ‘Gang of Four’ despite being the only remaining member (hardly a gang anymore, really…)
The roots of the band stretch back as far as 1976, when singer Jon King met guitarist Andy Gill. It would take a little longer to for them to find drummer Hugo Burnham and bassist Dave Allen but together they released a series of records that remain stunning and relevant to this day. Dave Allen left the band in 1981, replaced by Sara Lee who would remain in the band until they broke-up.
Jon and Andy began working together on different projects towards the late Eighties, and these eventually resulted in two further albums; ‘Mall’ in 1991 (featuring renowned bass player Gail Ann Dorsey) and ‘Shrinkwrapped’ in 1995.
Another hiatus occurred until 2004 when, unexpectedly, it was announced that the original King/Gill/Burnham/Allen line-up would be reuniting to play live and possibly work on new material. The gigs lived-up to all expectations, with the band sounding better than ever, and the following year saw the release of a CD entitled ‘Return the Gift’, featuring new recordings of tracks from their first three albums plus a second disc of remixes. However, internal problems began to appear again leading to the departure of Dave Allen and a little later Hugo Burnham, before the much anticipated new album ‘Content’ was released in 2011. It was received enthusiastically by both fans and critics, but after the ensuing touring, it was announced that Jon King was also leaving the band. Controversially, Andy Gill would then choose to continue recording and playing live as ‘Gang of Four’ despite being the only remaining member (hardly a gang anymore, really…)
Regardless of these shenanigans, it was still sad to hear of Gill’s untimely death in 2020, which seemed to signal the end of the band. But in late 2021 it was announced that King, Burnham and Sara Lee would be joined by former Slint guitarist David Pajo for tours in America and Europe. Again, the band received acclaim for the live shows but in 2025 a final tour featuring further American and European dates was announced, this time featuring Jon and Hugo joined by bassist Gail Greenwood (ex-Belly and L7) and guitarist Ted Leo (of Citizens Arrest and The Pharmacists.) Again, the gigs were met with a very enthusiastic response but sadly, during this time it was also announced that original member Dave Allen had also passed away after a long battle with early-onset dementia.
One further positive addition to their story has been the publication of Jon King’s autobiography, ‘To Hell With Poverty’, during mid-2025. Covering his early life and the formation of Gang of Four, all the way through to their original split in 1983, it effectively explains the background to their musical development and achievements, as well as setting some of the myths straight. After getting in touch with the publishers, I was lucky enough to set-up an interview with Jon and despite a few delays, it finally went ahead…
How long had you been thinking about writing your book and how long did it take you to put it together?
‘I hadn't thought about writing a book until I bumped into Steve Diggle at Abbey Road studios, two or three years ago. We were both there being interviewed for a music documentary and met each other in the cafe. It was great to see him again after so long, as the Buzzcocks were our great sponsors early-on and we'd have struggled to get on without their sustained help. I asked Steve what he was up to aside from gigging, and he said he was working with a ghost writer on an autobiography, suggesting that I ought to write one, too. He gave me the name of his literary agent, Kevin Pocklington, and said I should get in touch with him. After some hesitancy I wrote some sample chapters and sent them to Kevin. Once he received them he quickly managed to shop me a book deal with the publishers, Little, Brown.’
I liked the way that, instead of telling the story in a day-by-day narrative, you split things into short episodes which related the different important events. I think it gave the book a better sense of how things happened as well as giving it a nice, natural rhythm...
‘It's the way I would verbally describe how things were back then, with anecdotes and stories. It doesn't add hefty narrative demands on the reader and seemed to me more like how events unfurled. As someone once said of history, it’s just one damn thing after another!’
One further positive addition to their story has been the publication of Jon King’s autobiography, ‘To Hell With Poverty’, during mid-2025. Covering his early life and the formation of Gang of Four, all the way through to their original split in 1983, it effectively explains the background to their musical development and achievements, as well as setting some of the myths straight. After getting in touch with the publishers, I was lucky enough to set-up an interview with Jon and despite a few delays, it finally went ahead…
How long had you been thinking about writing your book and how long did it take you to put it together?
‘I hadn't thought about writing a book until I bumped into Steve Diggle at Abbey Road studios, two or three years ago. We were both there being interviewed for a music documentary and met each other in the cafe. It was great to see him again after so long, as the Buzzcocks were our great sponsors early-on and we'd have struggled to get on without their sustained help. I asked Steve what he was up to aside from gigging, and he said he was working with a ghost writer on an autobiography, suggesting that I ought to write one, too. He gave me the name of his literary agent, Kevin Pocklington, and said I should get in touch with him. After some hesitancy I wrote some sample chapters and sent them to Kevin. Once he received them he quickly managed to shop me a book deal with the publishers, Little, Brown.’
I liked the way that, instead of telling the story in a day-by-day narrative, you split things into short episodes which related the different important events. I think it gave the book a better sense of how things happened as well as giving it a nice, natural rhythm...
‘It's the way I would verbally describe how things were back then, with anecdotes and stories. It doesn't add hefty narrative demands on the reader and seemed to me more like how events unfurled. As someone once said of history, it’s just one damn thing after another!’
The book ends with the original Gang of Four coming to an end in 1983. Obviously, there were various reunions, tours and albums since then, so why did you choose not to include them in the book?
‘1984 was a natural break. Had I carried on beyond that year the book would have been like a massive door stopper! I'd been contracted to write 80,000 words, which seemed a huge amount until I worked out what I was doing. But there were definitely two halves to the bands’ existence, the first part being up to 1984 when we'd been robbed of everything we had by our crooked manager. We were totally broke and Andy Gill had been diagnosed with testicular cancer, which was life threatening. Our journey from boom to bust had a blackly-comedic story-arc but it was after this collapse in fortunes, with Andy in hospital having major surgery, that I won a job to write a song on the original Karate Kid movie, which was a game-changer. After that, Gill & I worked in an on-and-off way for the next 20 years…’
The band first re-emerged in 1991 with the album 'Mall', followed by 'Shrinkwrapped' in 1995. I thought 'Shrinkwrapped' in particular was a great album and you’ve even included 'I Parade Myself' in the setlists during recent tours. However, neither of these albums were very successful despite good critical response. In retrospect, do you think it was a case of them being released at the 'wrong time'?
‘No, I don't think so. The music didn't fit into the musical palette of the time. We got together to work on ‘Mall’ in 1991 and a few years later came together to write the soundtrack to an indie film called ‘Delinquent’. We started to develop ideas from there and that project eventually became another album, ‘Shrinkwrapped’. But, in my view at the time, they suffered from an unintuitive production method that didn't include real musicians other than Andy and me. He loved the new programming, sampling and assembly editing software that filled musician's skies, and how he could do it all himself in his front room studio, trying out things for third party production jobs. But I felt we ended up with recordings that weren’t emotionally-impactful. It became another ongoing dispute between us.
Both albums were OK, but I didn't feel we'd hit the bullseye with either one. Andy was focussed on becoming a record producer at that time and I was working in live event sound and production, so our work together had to fit in with whatever else we were doing. Our social life together was also hugely reduced. I didn't like being around him when he was drinking, as it was getting out of control. He was even admitted to hospital after a serious episode and was counselled by an alcohol advisor that he really needed to quit, but of course he didn't. Anyone who's experienced someone they care about with alcohol or substance abuse issues will be able to colour in this picture… So things became very different post 1984 and the story really became about how two people get along when they don't get along.’
‘1984 was a natural break. Had I carried on beyond that year the book would have been like a massive door stopper! I'd been contracted to write 80,000 words, which seemed a huge amount until I worked out what I was doing. But there were definitely two halves to the bands’ existence, the first part being up to 1984 when we'd been robbed of everything we had by our crooked manager. We were totally broke and Andy Gill had been diagnosed with testicular cancer, which was life threatening. Our journey from boom to bust had a blackly-comedic story-arc but it was after this collapse in fortunes, with Andy in hospital having major surgery, that I won a job to write a song on the original Karate Kid movie, which was a game-changer. After that, Gill & I worked in an on-and-off way for the next 20 years…’
The band first re-emerged in 1991 with the album 'Mall', followed by 'Shrinkwrapped' in 1995. I thought 'Shrinkwrapped' in particular was a great album and you’ve even included 'I Parade Myself' in the setlists during recent tours. However, neither of these albums were very successful despite good critical response. In retrospect, do you think it was a case of them being released at the 'wrong time'?
‘No, I don't think so. The music didn't fit into the musical palette of the time. We got together to work on ‘Mall’ in 1991 and a few years later came together to write the soundtrack to an indie film called ‘Delinquent’. We started to develop ideas from there and that project eventually became another album, ‘Shrinkwrapped’. But, in my view at the time, they suffered from an unintuitive production method that didn't include real musicians other than Andy and me. He loved the new programming, sampling and assembly editing software that filled musician's skies, and how he could do it all himself in his front room studio, trying out things for third party production jobs. But I felt we ended up with recordings that weren’t emotionally-impactful. It became another ongoing dispute between us.
Both albums were OK, but I didn't feel we'd hit the bullseye with either one. Andy was focussed on becoming a record producer at that time and I was working in live event sound and production, so our work together had to fit in with whatever else we were doing. Our social life together was also hugely reduced. I didn't like being around him when he was drinking, as it was getting out of control. He was even admitted to hospital after a serious episode and was counselled by an alcohol advisor that he really needed to quit, but of course he didn't. Anyone who's experienced someone they care about with alcohol or substance abuse issues will be able to colour in this picture… So things became very different post 1984 and the story really became about how two people get along when they don't get along.’
You were very tactful about Andy Gill in the book. Much that he was one of your oldest friends, I’m guessing that it's fair to say he could be very awkward to work with. You relate various occasions when he caused difficulties but you also make it clear that there was always a strong bond between the two of you...
‘Well, we were great friends from teenage years but also chalk and cheese. Whatever I was he wasn't and vice versa, but we made each other laugh and enjoyed each other's company. We hitchhiked to Spain together, he followed me up to Leeds University, we went to New York together in 1976 and spent fun-nights at CBGB's seeing the great bands there, which inspired us to start one ourselves.’
There was another hiatus after ‘Shrinkwrapped’ until 2005, when the original line-up (including Dave Allen and Hugo Burnham) reunited. The live shows were very successful and there was talk about recording a new album together, but by the time 'Content' was recorded in 2011, both Dave and Hugo had departed once again. Looking back, do you think that was a missed opportunity?
‘Well, Dave and Andy had come to renew their dislike of each other and it was a bummer to witness. Hugo was forced out by Gill's manager, Jazz Summers, so working together just wasn't an option.’
I thought ‘Content' was a strong album, recalling the best elements of Gang of Fours' past whilst placing it firmly in the present day. It certainly seemed to indicate that the band still had plenty of creative energy, but after the subsequent touring, you decided to leave the band. Were there any particular reasons for this?
‘Gill & I toured ‘Content’, but it was a very bad experience. Andy was drinking on full-tilt - three or four bottles of wine a day plus beers - and we totally fell out. I wanted to wrap the band but Gill wanted to carry on, leading to a legal dispute that went nowhere. I tried to stop him using the band name for what would really be a solo project, but he wanted to leverage the name. He told people I'd quit, which was a lie. I wanted it to fold. Sadly, there was no way we could continue to work together, but he shouldn’t have continued to use the name.’
‘Well, we were great friends from teenage years but also chalk and cheese. Whatever I was he wasn't and vice versa, but we made each other laugh and enjoyed each other's company. We hitchhiked to Spain together, he followed me up to Leeds University, we went to New York together in 1976 and spent fun-nights at CBGB's seeing the great bands there, which inspired us to start one ourselves.’
There was another hiatus after ‘Shrinkwrapped’ until 2005, when the original line-up (including Dave Allen and Hugo Burnham) reunited. The live shows were very successful and there was talk about recording a new album together, but by the time 'Content' was recorded in 2011, both Dave and Hugo had departed once again. Looking back, do you think that was a missed opportunity?
‘Well, Dave and Andy had come to renew their dislike of each other and it was a bummer to witness. Hugo was forced out by Gill's manager, Jazz Summers, so working together just wasn't an option.’
I thought ‘Content' was a strong album, recalling the best elements of Gang of Fours' past whilst placing it firmly in the present day. It certainly seemed to indicate that the band still had plenty of creative energy, but after the subsequent touring, you decided to leave the band. Were there any particular reasons for this?
‘Gill & I toured ‘Content’, but it was a very bad experience. Andy was drinking on full-tilt - three or four bottles of wine a day plus beers - and we totally fell out. I wanted to wrap the band but Gill wanted to carry on, leading to a legal dispute that went nowhere. I tried to stop him using the band name for what would really be a solo project, but he wanted to leverage the name. He told people I'd quit, which was a lie. I wanted it to fold. Sadly, there was no way we could continue to work together, but he shouldn’t have continued to use the name.’
Following Andy's untimely passing in 2020, it was announced that you, Hugo and Sara Lee would be playing live again, accompanied by former Slint guitarist David Pajo. You went on to tour extensively and received a very positive response. Was there ever any suggestion that this line-up would write and record any new material?
‘The tour with David & Sara was fantastic, as they're both awesome musicians. But it was strictly a touring line up, not a writing and recording proposition.
Hugo, Pajo and I did talk about writing new material and I even worked on some new songs with David, but it was always with the proviso that if anything emerged we wouldn't use the Gang of Four name. I hadn't approved of Gill doing that so I wasn't going to do the same.’
And then, in 2025, it was announced that Gang of Four would be playing a final tour ('The Long Goodbye') featuring yourself, Hugo, Ted Leo and Gail Greenwood. Why was Sara Lee not involved on this occasion?
‘Sara had retired by then. She's still a great friend, but she had quit the road.’
Regardless, that line-up proved to be very successful and again the gigs were very well-received. Despite it being a 'final tour', when the band is playing as well as it was, there must be some temptation to carry on and see where you can take it…
‘I love playing live, it's a privilege and a thrill, and I enjoyed this last tour more than any other I've done. Ted and Gail are incredible musicians, lovely to be with, and the shows were incandescent. Night after night I thought we'd peaked, but each show had power and intensity. So, although I've had it with touring, we might consider one-offs or special events if they are offered…’
‘The tour with David & Sara was fantastic, as they're both awesome musicians. But it was strictly a touring line up, not a writing and recording proposition.
Hugo, Pajo and I did talk about writing new material and I even worked on some new songs with David, but it was always with the proviso that if anything emerged we wouldn't use the Gang of Four name. I hadn't approved of Gill doing that so I wasn't going to do the same.’
And then, in 2025, it was announced that Gang of Four would be playing a final tour ('The Long Goodbye') featuring yourself, Hugo, Ted Leo and Gail Greenwood. Why was Sara Lee not involved on this occasion?
‘Sara had retired by then. She's still a great friend, but she had quit the road.’
Regardless, that line-up proved to be very successful and again the gigs were very well-received. Despite it being a 'final tour', when the band is playing as well as it was, there must be some temptation to carry on and see where you can take it…
‘I love playing live, it's a privilege and a thrill, and I enjoyed this last tour more than any other I've done. Ted and Gail are incredible musicians, lovely to be with, and the shows were incandescent. Night after night I thought we'd peaked, but each show had power and intensity. So, although I've had it with touring, we might consider one-offs or special events if they are offered…’
There was a very broad mix of people at the concerts, from older fans who had followed you since the release of 'Entertainment', through to teenagers seeing you for the first time. I think some of the appeal is that many of the lyrics are still relevant, while musically you had a unique sound which didn’t follow trends, which has helped to keep the songs sounding fresh and vital...
‘It's hard to tell the make up of an audience but I was told that around a third were Gen Z, under 25, who have discovered our music and found that it spoke to them. I think there's always a desire for music that talks about the world as it is, from a progressive point of view, and not just a vehicle to grub money.’
If this really is the end of Gang of Four', do you think you'll miss being part of the band and performing the songs?
‘I will. It's been such a joy.’
Last year, unexpectedly, you were one of the guest-singers at the 100 Club for Lenny Kaye's gigs celebrating the 'Nuggets' compilations. How did that come about and did you enjoy doing something so different to Gang of Four?
‘It was great fun. Hugo had played with Lenny on some US Nuggets dates and suggested I guest in London. Those 60's garage songs are fantastic and it was a trip to be onstage with people like Rat Scabies and all the others. What an amazing thing to do in my Sixties!’
‘It's hard to tell the make up of an audience but I was told that around a third were Gen Z, under 25, who have discovered our music and found that it spoke to them. I think there's always a desire for music that talks about the world as it is, from a progressive point of view, and not just a vehicle to grub money.’
If this really is the end of Gang of Four', do you think you'll miss being part of the band and performing the songs?
‘I will. It's been such a joy.’
Last year, unexpectedly, you were one of the guest-singers at the 100 Club for Lenny Kaye's gigs celebrating the 'Nuggets' compilations. How did that come about and did you enjoy doing something so different to Gang of Four?
‘It was great fun. Hugo had played with Lenny on some US Nuggets dates and suggested I guest in London. Those 60's garage songs are fantastic and it was a trip to be onstage with people like Rat Scabies and all the others. What an amazing thing to do in my Sixties!’
Final question, something that's always puzzled me... why was 'We Live as We Dream Alone' never released as a single? It's always been a popular song and I would have thought it would be the obvious choice after 'I Love a Man in Uniform'?
‘Ahh, I don't know but I’d guess that, after ‘Uniform’ was banned in the UK, EMI had lost all faith in us. And of course, by then they had Duran Duran records to flog!
As Jon hinted, the latest version of Gang of Four have announced a short-run of gigs during 2026 including a an appearance at the Solid Sound festival in Massachusetts. But sticking to their intentions, no more touring.
‘Ahh, I don't know but I’d guess that, after ‘Uniform’ was banned in the UK, EMI had lost all faith in us. And of course, by then they had Duran Duran records to flog!
As Jon hinted, the latest version of Gang of Four have announced a short-run of gigs during 2026 including a an appearance at the Solid Sound festival in Massachusetts. But sticking to their intentions, no more touring.
Additionally, a new track ‘No Kings Here’ was recorded by the current line-up and made available online in support of the ‘No Kings’ protests. It can be heard here…
https://www.gangoffour7781.com/
For further information about the band, past and present, you can also investigate
https://www.facebook.com/gangoffour/?locale=en_GB
https://www.gangoffour7781.com/
For further information about the band, past and present, you can also investigate
https://www.facebook.com/gangoffour/?locale=en_GB
