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808 State bassist and keyboard player Andrew Barker dies at the age of 53 as electronic music group pays tribute
- News of the musician’s death was shared on the band’s Twitter page on Sunday
- The message read: ‘It’s with a heavy heart to inform you of the passing of Andrew Barker
- ‘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. You’ll be sadly missed’
- Andrew’s cause of death was not known at the time of writing
- 808 State formed in Manchester in 1987, taking their name from the Roland TR-808 drum machine
- Original members Graham Massey, Martin Price and Gerald Simpson released their debut album Newbuild in September 1988
- They achieved commercial success in 1989 when their song Pacific State was picked up by BBC Radio One
- Gerald left 808 State in 1989 to work on his own solo project and the remaining members brought in DJs Andrew and Darren Partington, known as the Spinmasters
808 State bassist and keyboard player Andrew Barker has died at the age of 53.
News of the musician’s death was shared on the band’s Twitter page on Sunday.
The message read: ‘It’s with a heavy heart to inform you of the passing of Andrew Barker.
Sad news: 808 State bassist and keyboard player Andrew Barker has died at the age of 53, with the news being announced on Sunday (pictured 2018)
Electronic music legend: News of the musician’s death was shared on the band’s Twitter page, with the group sharing some heartfelt words
‘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. You’ll be sadly missed.’
A black and white image of Andrew smiling was posted along with the statement.
Andrew’s cause of death was not known at the time of writing.
Music makers: Andrew (centre) was part of 808 State with Graham Massey (left) and Darren Partington (right) (pictured 2018)
The group’s fans were quick to pay their respects, with one person tweeting: ‘Drawn to 808 State since finding one of your tapes in my indie-goth big sister’s collection.
‘Always seemed odd, sitting amongst JAMC, Sisters of Mercy etc. RIP Andrew Barker. The beat goes on.’
Another person wrote: ‘So sad to hear this, another unsung Manchester music man, and superb DJ..from the all nighters at Soundgarden, spinmasters, the brilliant Tuesday night Sunset radio sessions, all the 808 state gigs top Manchester Music man the music will never die RIP Sir xxx.’
‘So sad to hear this news about Andy. You were a true electronic music pioneer. Big love to all is family and friends. RIP Andy #808stateforever,’ wrote another fan.
Paying respects: The group’s fans were quick to pay their respects, with one person tweeting: ‘So sad to hear this, another unsung Manchester music man, and superb DJ’
One other devotee posted: ‘Heartbreaking news, My heart goes out to Andys family and friends.
‘Had the pleasure of watching 808 state numerous times, also great memories watching The spinmasters in The Thunderdome amongst other clubs.
‘Andy’s music, knowledge and humour will never be forgotten. RIP.’
Another fan shared: ‘Terrible news. I’m deeply saddened. Andrew was a true pioneer of the British scene and his work has had a global impact that is fittingly indelible.
‘On a personal note it was his early work with 808 State and the Quadrastate album got me into dance and eventually DJing RIP Andrew.’
808 State formed in Manchester in 1987, taking their name from the Roland TR-808 drum machine.
Original members Graham Massey, Martin Price and Gerald Simpson released their debut album Newbuild in September 1988 and they achieved commercial success in 1989 when their song Pacific State was picked up by BBC Radio One.
Gerald left 808 State in 1989 to work on his own solo project and the remaining members brought in DJs Andrew and Darren Partington, known as the Spinmasters.
Hitmaker: 808 State formed in Manchester in 1987, taking their name from the Roland TR-808 drum machine
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