So Long, Sleazy

Yesterday, Peter Martin Christopherson, a.k.a. Sleazy, died suddenly in his sleep. He was 55. A founding member of Throbbing Gristle and Coil, as well a solo artist in his own right, Sleazy leaves behind an incredibly rich musical legacy and a great deal of gutted friends and fans. This shocking news comes just a month after the remaining members of Throbbing Gristle announced their regrouping under the name, X-TG, following Genesis P-Orridge’s departure.

Sleazy’s contributions to music and culture are immeasurable. From naked stage antics with Throbbing Gristle as one of the founding fathers of the industrial genre back in the mid-70s, to starting Psychic TV with Genesis P-Orridge and forming the intense, dark, trailblazing Coil with his partner, Johnn Balance, in the 80s, Sleazy has always been a fervent innovator. He designed iconic album covers, built his own instruments, created countless radical videos, spoke out against homophobia, and when Balance passed away after they spent over twenty years together, Sleazy held it together and started The Threshold HouseBoys Choir – a music project featuring computer-generated vocals and video. He continued creating until the very end.

In one of his most recent interviews, Sleazy said:

If I can die knowing I’ve helped put a few of us outsiders in touch, helping one another, particularly helping pass on what we know to other new people, and encouraging each other to be more proud of who they are, I will be a happy man.

Rest easy.

5 Responses to “So Long, Sleazy”

  1. Meredith Yayanos Says:

    Thanks for this, Z. Listening to “How to Destroy Angels” and trying not cry. Far more emotionally wrecked by Sleazy’s sudden death than I could have ever anticipated.

    That quote you highlighted is absolutely lovely. While the “Coil” in Coilhouse didn’t stem from our love of the band, I’m happy that we share the name, and most definitely, Sleazy’s sentiment.

    What an incredible guy. R.I.P.

  2. Tweets that mention New blog post: So Long, Sleazy -- Topsy.com Says:

    […] This post was mentioned on Twitter by coilhouse, Meredith Yayanos and Scary Carrie, john c. worsley. john c. worsley said: RT @coilhouse: New blog post: So Long, Sleazy http://coilhouse.net/2010/11/so-long-sleazy/ […]

  3. John C. Worsley Says:

    Touching tribute. Thank you.

  4. Celephais Says:

    This was hard, hard news to wake up to today. Safe travels, Sleazy. You’ll be missed.

  5. Dave C Says:

    “I’ll wrap my last kiss in a bandage.”

    Requeat in pace.