David Thomas, Pere Ubu Leader, Dies at 71

David Thomas, the influential frontman of the avant-garde rock band Pere Ubu, has died at age 71 after a long illness, passing away in Brighton & Hove with his family by his side. Thomas co-founded the proto-punk band Rocket From the Tombs before forming Pere Ubu in Cleveland in 1975, leading the group through decades of boundary-pushing music that influenced generations of post-punk and alternative artists. Known for his distinctive vocal style and the band's experimental sound, Thomas remained the only constant member throughout Pere Ubu's long career and continued to record and perform into his final years. The band had been working on a final album, which will be completed and released posthumously, alongside efforts to archive live recordings and finish his nearly completed autobiography. Tributes highlighted Thomas's uncompromising vision and enduring legacy, with his own words cited: 'My name is David Fucking Thomas… and I’m the lead singer of the best fucking rock and roll band in the world.' The music community acknowledged his role as a unique and visionary artist whose influence stretched across decades.