John McGeoch

John McGeoch
John McGeoch
Background information
Birth name	John Alexander McGeoch
Born	25 August 1955; Greenock, Inverclyde, Scotland
Died	4 March 2004 (aged 48); Launceston, Cornwall, England
Genres	Post-punk; new wave; gothic rock; synth-pop; alternative rock;
Occupation(s)	Guitarist
Instrument(s)	Guitar; piano; saxophone;
Years active	1970–1995
Labels	Virgin; Polydor; Parlophone;
Formerly of	Magazine; Visage; Siouxsie and the Banshees; The Armoury Show; Public Image Ltd; Pacific;
Website	johnmcgeoch.com

John Alexander McGeoch (25 August 1955 – 4 March 2004) was a Scottish musician and songwriter. He is best known as the guitarist of the rock bands Magazine (1977–1980) and Siouxsie and the Banshees (1980–1982).

He has been described as one of the most influential guitarists of his generation.^[1] In 1996 he was listed by Mojo in their "100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time" for his work on the Siouxsie and the Banshees song "Spellbound".^[2] Signature characteristics of his playing style included inventive arpeggios, string harmonics, the uses of flanger and an occasional disregard for conventional scales.

He was also a member of the bands Visage (1979–1980), the Armoury Show (1983–1986) and Public Image Ltd (1986–1992).

McGeoch has been cited as an influence by guitarists including Johnny Marr, Jonny Greenwood, Ed O'Brien, the Edge, John Frusciante, Geordie Walker, Robert Smith, Steve Albini, Duane Denison, and Dave Navarro.

^ Perrone, Pierre (11 March 2004). "Obituary – John McGeoch: Influential post-punk guitarist". The Independent. Archived from the original on 22 September 2011. Retrieved 29 February 2016. Often cited as an influence by leading guitarists such as the Edge from U2, John Frusciante of Red Hot Chili Peppers and Radiohead's Jonny Greenwood, John McGeoch played in several post-punk bands of the late Seventies and early Eighties.
^ "Mojo – 100 Greatest Guitarists Of All Time June 1996 Issue". Mojo. 1996. Retrieved 29 February 2016. 89. John McGeogh – Spellbound (Siouxsie & the Banshees, Juju) – 1981 – Yamaha SG1000

[Independent-1] Perrone, Pierre (11 March 2004). "Obituary – John McGeoch: Influential post-punk guitarist". The Independent. Archived from the original on 22 September 2011. Retrieved 29 February 2016. Often cited as an influence by leading guitarists such as the Edge from U2, John Frusciante of Red Hot Chili Peppers and Radiohead's Jonny Greenwood, John McGeoch played in several post-punk bands of the late Seventies and early Eighties.

[2] "Mojo – 100 Greatest Guitarists Of All Time June 1996 Issue". Mojo. 1996. Retrieved 29 February 2016. 89. John McGeogh – Spellbound (Siouxsie & the Banshees, Juju) – 1981 – Yamaha SG1000

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