“His family and friends asks that people respect their privacy at this time but remember him for the joy he brought through his personality and music.”
Longtime 808 State member Andy Barker has died, aged 53. The Manchester-founded electronic music band confirmed the news on social media, which included a statement from Barker’s family.
“After a happy life Andrew Barker experienced a short period of illness and passed away in his hometown of Manchester yesterday, Saturday 6th November,” the statement reads. “His family and friends asks that people respect their privacy at this time but remember him for the joy he brought through his personality and music. You’ll be sadly missed”
808 State was founded in 1987 during the “Madchester” acid house era, and were responsible for seminal hits like “Pacific State.” Barker, who was the band’s longtime bassist and keyboard player, started DJing as a teenager, and joined the band after Gerald Simpson, aka A Guy Called Gerald, left the group.
In 2019, Andy Barker and Graham Massey released 808 State’s first studio album in 17 years, Transmission Suite.
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Tributes poured in from artists across social media.
So sad to hear this about Andy Barker of 808 State. I first met him 35 years ago. He was a bringer of joy, a totally delightful fella – “After a happy life Andrew Barker experienced a short period of illness and passed away in his hometown of Manchester yesterday, 6th November”. pic.twitter.com/rDEKSmgTKY
— Dave Haslam (@Mr_Dave_Haslam) November 7, 2021
After a night celebrating the unifying power of music at Homobloc, I’ve just heard about the passing of Andy Barker. Devastating news. He brought so much joy to the world. 808 forever. RIP my friend x
— Justin Robertson (@robertsonjustin) November 7, 2021
RIP Andy Barker. Can’t believe I played Pacific State yesterday for the 1st time in ages.
— Photonz / Alphabet St 🇵🇸 (@PhotonzZz) November 7, 2021
tears in my eyes. Andy Barker has passed. Gutted. Lovely lovely person. Will miss him so much. Had some great times with him. Some funny funny times.
— Jon Dasilva (@jondasilva) November 7, 2021
Rip Andy Barker, an enormous influence for so many, and for me especially at a formative time in my listening life. Safe travels, pilgrim.
808 ST8 4Evr
— TBM (@Blessed_Madonna) November 7, 2021
Terribly sad to hear about Andy Barker from 808 State… a true musical warrior .. had the privilege of booking them for Bestival in 2008 and Camp Bestival 2015 … spine tingling both times RIP ❤️ https://t.co/K8iJQ0RHbP
— Rob da Bank (@RobdaBank) November 7, 2021
