The Gang’s All Here for one Final Goodbye
I think it’s quite bittersweet, being an aging punk rocker in an aging punk rock scene. This is my fourth article now, I think, where I find myself writing about seeing an iconic band on their final tour. And that’s just in the last 8 months or so. But like NOFX and Refused before them, Gang of Four was not going to go out with a whimper.
The iconic Cat’s Cradle was the perfect venue for this show! photo by kim moenich
Formed in 1976 in Leeds, England, Gang of Four has often been heralded as the greatest of the post-punk bands. Rolling Stone Magazine ranked “Entertainment,” GoF’s debut album, as the 5th greatest punk album of all time. “Entertainment” was also ranked as the 483rd best album of all time (out of 500) by Rolling Stone. This year marked the 45th anniversary of this iconic release, so Gang of Four founder and singer John King and founder and drummer Hugo Burnham felt that it was appropriate to take the songs out for a spin one last time.
Gang of Four founder, John King, showing his love for us! photo by kim moenich
Before embarking on a 25-city North American tour, Gang of Four added some new faces to an ever-changing lineup. John and Hugo brought on longtime friend and absolute badass bassist Gail Greenwood, formerly of Boneyard, Belly, and L7, among others. The guitarist's shoes were big ones to fill after the passing of original guitarist Andy Gill in 2020. But the band definitely chose wisely when Ted Leo, of Ted Leo and the Pharmacists and Chisel fame, was asked to step in. I admit I joined the Ted Leo fan club quite late, only seeing them for the first time last year at Fest, but they completely rocked my socks off! Ted was an obvious choice to bring some intense guitar work to a lot of really complicated songs.
Gail Greenwood, Ted Leo, and GoF founder Hugh Burnham onstage during the final tour. photo by kim moenich
Serious badassery from Gail Greenwood! photo by kim moenich
Ted Leo absolutely shreds! photo by kim moenich
I honestly wasn’t sure what to expect from a band I’d never seen live who had been at it for over five decades, but let me tell you, Gang of Four blew us all away. The audience went absolutely nuts from the first note, which was great since even the door staff noted I was one of the younger people in the house. They played “Entertainment” in its entirety, and every song was gold. After a brief intermission, the band took to the stage to play songs from the rest of their discography, ending with their hit “Damaged Good"s.
I think I took a million photos of her just crushing it on bass! photo by kim moenich
What an insanely fun time having a legend like John King sing to you personally! photo by kim moenich
When I tell you this was the most fun I’ve had at a show in recent memory, I mean it. The musicianship was just unreal—from John nailing every note to Gail destroying the stage with her insanely perfect bass skills to Hugh’s unbelievable drumming feats. But again, I have to say that it was Ted Leo’s brilliance with that guitar that really made the show for me.
John was the perfect showman, keeping us engaged with every lyric. photo by kim moenich
John and Ted having a blast. photo by kim moenich
This is a band known for their outspokeness when it comes to politics and causes, and I was also very happy to see the amazing flags flying onstage. This truly felt like a community coming out to support and say goodbye to band who have held a huge place in our collective psyche for most of our lives.
Founding member Hugh Burnham flying flags of freedom. photo by kim moenich
I’d really love to know the microwave budget for this tour! photo by kim moenich
The “Long Goodbye” tour continues on throughout May, hitting a few more spots in the South before shooting up through the Midwest and then down the West Coast. I felt fortunate to catch them in a smaller venue at a sold-out show (I’ve been attending shows at the 750-person capacity Cat’s Cradle in Carrboro, NC, since I was a teenager). It felt so old-school in its intimacy. But no matter where you see this band on their final tour, make sure you see them. This is not a goodbye you want to miss. Thanks so much, Gang of Four, for the amazing music and for never changing the core of who you have been for fifty years.
The long goodbye… photo by kim moenich
