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Throbbing Gristle's Peter 'Sleazy' Christopherson Dies at 55

Peter 'Sleazy' ChristophersonMichael Buckner/Getty Images

Throbbing Gristle founder Peter 'Sleazy' Christopherson died "peacefully" in his sleep on Nov. 24 at the age of 55 in his Bangkok home.

Born in Leeds, England, the industrial music pioneer was also a founding member of Coil and Psychic TV after Throbbing Gristle disbanded in 1981, as well as recording solo work under the name The Threshold HouseBoys Choir. Most recently, he founded Soisong in 2007 with Ivan Pavlov.

The news was made official today when Throbbing Gristle bandmates Cosey Fanni Tutti and Chris Carter tweeted: "Our dearest beautiful Sleazy left this mortal coil as he slept in peace last night. words cannot express our grief." Other artists, like Nine Inch Nails' Trent Reznor also took to Twitter to express their grief: "I awake to sad news. RIP Peter Christopherson - friend and huge inspiration."

In a Quietus piece last summer, Christopherson obliquely addressed rumours that the cancellation of SoiSong and Throbbing Gristle tour dates were a result of his illness:

"Don't worry, I'm fine, I think :-) but remember we are all only temporary curators of our present bodies, which will all decay, sooner or later. In a hundred years or so ALL the humans currently alive will have died. I take great comfort in knowing, with certainty, that thing that makes us special, able to enrich our own lives and those of others, will not cease when our bodies do, but will be just starting and new (and hopefully even better) adventure... If we don't get to meet in this Life, maybe in the next you can buy me a beer! :-)

Watch Throbbing Gristle Play 'Persuasion' in 2004

In the meantime, fans can assuage their grief listening to the music that Christopherson helped craft. Throbbing Gristle formed in the mid-70s with Carter, Tuttie and Genesis P-Orridge, and using synthesizers, drum programming and samples laid the groundwork for the industrial rock revolution that followed their 1981 disbandment. Though they reunited in 2004, P-Orridge left again this past summer, causing the band to finish out their tour dates as X-TG (ex-Throbbing Gristle).

Christopherson was also a noted graphic designed and video director -- as part of the design collective Hipgnosis, he created iconic album art for records like Pink Floyd's 'Wish You Were Here,' and his music videos included Nine Inch Nails' 'Wish' and Rage Against the Machine's 'Bulls on Parade.'

Watch Throbbing Gristle's 'Discipline' Video

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Ron E. Dillon

Truly, truly a sad loss.

March 17 2011 at 12:48 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
richard ford

Rest in peace.... that's all.

March 03 2011 at 4:19 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
bent

that song is awesome and i can relate to the girl shedding the tear to be in the presence of TG but how is that song "persuasion?" it sounds nothing like the original or the live versions i've heard prior. gen doesn't even say "persuasion" in this version. RIP peter. there's one adolescent dream i'll never fulfill, to see or meet the original members of TG.

November 27 2010 at 9:21 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Noah S.

No one care what Trent Reznor tweets nor does. He built his career by stepping on Christ and others backs.

November 26 2010 at 12:22 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to Noah S.'s comment
gary

come on, now is not the time to moan about Trent Reznor. His message of condolence is just as valid as your, mines or anyone elses. He was a huge fan of Sleazy's work, just as you an I are. I'm not a huge fan of Trent's work and, as far as I know, neither was Sleazy, but that's not the point...is it? Everyone connected to the whole TG, Coil, England's Hidden Reverse spectrum is sickened. I'm sure Trent is hurting just as much as you are. He was, after all, both a massive fan and personal friend.

November 26 2010 at 6:27 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Noah S.

No one care what Trent Reznor tweets nor does. He built his career by stepping on Christ and others backs.

November 26 2010 at 12:20 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to Noah S.'s comment
BOMBA777

That Christ comment is really lame, besides I'm sure that Christ wouldn't have minded a little back stepping given he gave his entire body & soul for us. The Christian church is not representative of Jesus, who clearly was anti organized religion & it's corrupt & controlling ways.

November 26 2010 at 6:45 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
darknesstraveller

r.i.p peter >> visualist & visionary >>> you will be much missed

November 25 2010 at 3:14 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply