“Dave was the master of some of the most iconic basslines in music history”: Dave Allen, former Gang of Four bassist and post-punk heavyweight, dies aged 69

Musicians Andy Gil (L) and Dave Allenl of the band Gang of Four perform during the after party for the grand opening of the Flagship West Coast Virgin Megastore Hollywood held at the Hollywood & Highland Complex on October 17, 2005 in Hollywood, California.

Dave Allen, the influential bassist who played with British post-punk Gang of Four during their early years, has died at 69.

The news was confirmed in a statement posted to social media by Allen’s former bandmate Hugo Burnham. In his statement, Burnham revealed Allen had been battling early-onset of mixed dementia.