Tune of the Week: RIP Geordie Walker
On Sunday, November 26, 2023 Killing Joke guitarist Geordie Walker passed away. The band were a crucial part of the UK post-punk scene and Geordie’s guitar tone a critical part of their sound. I first caught wind of their heaving riffs and political lyrics by seeing the video to their single “Eighties” on MTV:
As big as their studio sound could be, the more impressive aspect to the band was their live performances. Singer Jaz Coleman would don face paint and look almost cartoonishly menacing, all while the band would pummel the audience with their grooves:
They were performing concerts up until March of 2023. Their final show was at the legendary Royal Albert Hall in the heart of London.
I had one brush with the greatness that was Geordie Walker. I put together a music video for a supergroup he was in named The Damage Manual. Also featured in the group were Chris Connelly and Jah Wobble:
Rest in Eternal Guitar Power Geordie!