Billboard: Pylon Guitarist Randy Bewley Dies After Heart Attack

[tuvor]

Randall Bewley, guitarist and founding member of new wave band Pylon, died Wednesday (Feb. 25) afternoon after a heart attack on Monday in his hometown of Athens, Georgia, according to a report by The Athens Banner-Herald. Bewley was driving on Monday (Feb. 23) when his van drifted off the road and tipped over, according to an email circulated by bandmate Vanessa Hay.

Pylon was formed in 1979 by University of Georgia art students Bewley, bassist Michael Lachowski, drummer Curtis Crowe and Hay - then Vanessa Briscoe - on vocals. The group was part of Athens' art oriented dance party scene that also included groups like the B-52's and R.E.M., each of which have often cited Pylon as a favorite and influence. Pylon released four albums and toured with Gang of Four, Mission of Burma, the Talking Heads and U2 before disbanding in 1983. The group reunited in 1989 to tour with R.E.M. on the "Green" tour, released a new album the following year, and have played sporadic gigs ever since.

DFA Records released an expanded version Pylon's debut, "Gyrate," in 2007, and plans to reissue 1983's "Chomp" later this year.

http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/news/update-pylon-guitarist-randy-bewley-dies-1003944809.story

[asthmaticeog]

1. NOOOOOOO!

That's very sad. "Gyrate" was never far from the top of my play list all these years, a great and indispensable album. I'd always dreamed of catching one of the reunion shows, guess I should have tried harder. My condolences to his family, bandmates and friends.

[taterguy]

2. "New Wave"? I hate the media

They didn't sound anything like most other so-called New Wave bands, which is one of many reasons I liked them.

I saw Pylon a few times, always a great show

[jpak]

3. R.I.P.

:(

[mitchum]

4. I heard about it last night...

he and Ricky Wilson were the two most innovative guitarplayers to ever come from here.
Rest In Peace, Brother