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Tuli Kupferberg, Fugs Singer and Beat Poet, Dead at 86
- Posted on Jul 12th 2010 5:30PM by Mike Ayers
Tuli Kupferberg, a member of the Fugs and a staple of the New York City "beat" scene, has passed away at age 86, according to the New York Times. Kupferberg was the vocalist and percussionist for the '60s folk-rock band, who were known for the outspoken, anti-war stances and satire-drenched songs. The band's recording history spanned over four decades, with their final album, 'Be Free: The Fugs Final CD (Part 2),' seeing its release this past February.Over the years, Kupferberg was also a prolific poet, publishing anti-war material as well as publishing early works of Allan Ginsberg. It's believe that Kupferberg was an inspiration for a character in Ginsberg's most famous work, 'Howl.'
Kupferberg slowed down his production of music and writing in the last 15 years, but was still active in getting his message out there with postings of interview snippets, videos and archival material to his YouTube channel.
For the last two years, Kupferberg's health has been in decline. He's suffered two strokes, with one in April 2009 leaving his vision severely impaired. But it's not to say his influence wasn't felt within the more modern generations -- in January 2010, a benefit for Kupferberg was held featuring Sonic Youth, Lou Reed and Patti Smith Group guitarist Lenny Kaye, in an effort to help out with his mounting medical bills.
Kupferberg is survived by his wife, Sylvia Topp, and their three children.
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Doug Lynner
Memorial Tribute to Tuli Kupferberg on Doug Lynner's World of Noise Internet radio show. Go to http://www.neatnetnoise.com for more information.
August 12 2010 at 6:48 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
Rickster
I remember reading 1001 ways to avoid the draft really funny
617) Tell them you're a wandering Jew and must be on your way
and my favorite
856) Tell them you are a "special" Proctologist sent by Washington on speciaal assignment - - - when you're found out - ask if you can look anyway
Steve
I grew up in the 60's with the anti-war movement a big part of my early political development...I can still hear his song "Kill for Peace", it was an anthem for my friends and I along with Country Joes and the Fish's "Draft Resisters Drag"
July 14 2010 at 6:05 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
mooseknyght
the fugs were one of the weirdest and coolest bands there were. many songs were very funny and played them at many parties. they also made their political statements in their own unique way. this is a very sad day finding out tuli has passed on. may God bless him and his family and friends .
July 14 2010 at 5:49 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
Marena
A true pioneer. One of the greatest. Ver, very sad!
July 14 2010 at 5:42 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
Mike Martin
Tuli tested the shaky ground of censorship. It is because of people like Tuli, Zappa, Lenny Bruce, and many other un-beknownst-to-you creative geniuses that you enjoy the ability to speak your mind no matter how unarticulate or unschooled you may be in your chosen subject.
July 14 2010 at 4:44 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
David S.
I confess I never heard of the man, but he died at 86. Wouldn't he have been a tad bit old to be doing the hippie thing in the 1960's?
July 14 2010 at 4:37 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
willsend
Damn..I Feel Like Homemade Shit...
July 14 2010 at 2:49 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
jeff
Boy it sure lets you know time is flying..........86 wow!
July 14 2010 at 2:02 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
54 Comments