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Interview
by SashaS
5-4-2002
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| Frank Tovey in action |
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Obituary
03 April 2002 RIP
Frank Tovey, a.k.a. Fad Gadget, died on Wednesday, the 3rd April 2002, at his home in London of heart failure after a lifetime of heart problems. Frank Tovey is one of the electro-pioneers who, alongside Human League, Cabaret Voltaire and The Normal, defined the Electro-wave of the late ‘70s/early ‘80s in the UK.
Tovey was the first signing to Mute Records and his debut single, the ground breaking ‘Back To Nature’, was the label’s maiden release in October 1979. Other notable singles followed, ‘Ricky’s Hand’, ‘Fireside Favourites’ and ‘Collapsing New People’, as well as the albums ‘Fireside Favourites’ (1980), ‘Incontinent’ (1981), ‘Under The Flag’ (1982), and ‘Gag’ (1984).
After dropping the Fad Gadget alias Tovey record further five albums that mixed electronics with rock, punk, folk and dance with astounding results; a unique musical vision with an experimental edge he wouldn’t waver from for the rest of his career. He’s been justly recognised as one of the most influential artists over the past twenty years and his reputation was further enhanced with shows that often ended with injuries due to his intense performance.
Daniel Miller, the founder and head of Mute said: “Frank was the first artist I ever worked with on Mute, he made some very special and influential records and was an exceptional live performer. Frank played a big part in helping to lay the foundations of what the label was to become in the ensuing years, I will miss him greatly.”
As will his family, friends and all lovers of brave new music who’ve been robbed of another innovator.
SashaS
5-4-2002
30-song compilation ‘Best Of Fad Gadget’ was issued by Mute last year.
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