Published
Tue, Sep 21, 2021, 16:48
- Mute Records confirmed the news today.
Cabaret Voltaire's Richard H. Kirk has died. He was 65.
A leading figure within industrial and electronic music, Sheffield-born Kirk was best known for his work in the band Cabaret Voltaire, as well as numerous solo projects like Electronic Eye and Sandoz, and pioneering bleep duo Sweet Exorcist. He was prolific, releasing through labels like Warp, Mute, Dust Science, Rough Trade and his own label Intone right up until this year.
Together with Stephen Mallinder and Chris Watson, Kirk recorded as Cabaret Voltaire from 1973 until 1991, working as a guitarist as well as on the band's pioneering use of electronics. They released many acclaimed albums, including seminal works like Red Mecca and The Voice Of America. In later years, Cabaret Voltaire explored pop, house and techno for labels like Virgin and EMI. Kirk resurrected the band name in 2009 for a series of solo performances and, later, solo albums.
As well as the huge impact Cabaret Voltaire had in post-punk and industrial circles, Kirk was highly influential in electronic music, combining strands of experimental, ambient, house, techno and dub.
Confirming the news, long-time label Mute Records wrote: "Richard was a towering creative genius who led a singular and driven path throughout his life and musical career. We will miss him so much."
Listen to Sweet Exorcist's "Testone."