Gang of Four bassist Dave Allen dies aged 69 following heartbreaking dementia diagnosis

It's been revealed that Dave Allen, the bassist for British post-punk band Gang of Four, has passed away at the age of 69. His former bandmates Jon King and Hugo Burnham shared an update with fans today announcing that the pioneering musician had died on Saturday 5 April.

They wrote on Instagram: "It is with broken yet full hearts that we share the news that Dave Allen, our old music partner, friend, and brilliant musician, died on Saturday morning. He was at home with his family. Dave had endured the early-onset of mixed dementia for some years which has been a heartbreaking time for his wife Paddy, his children, and close friends. Our love and thoughts are with them.

"Jon and I [Hugo] went to see him and spent a lovely afternoon with him and the family. We talked and laughed for hours, sharing rich and vivid memories of good times together. Adventures, careers in music, raising families, our interwoven lives spanning half a century. We've been so very lucky to have had the Ace of Bass in our lives. We know that Dave would have wanted nothing more than to step onstage with us again in Portland on our farewell US tour. But it's now a bridge too far." They finished: "Goodbye, Old Friend."

Dave joined Gang of Four along with guitarist Andy Gill, King and Burnham in 1976, replacing bassist Dave Wolfson who played just a handful of shows. His distinctive playing style became a defining force of the band and their 1979 debut, Entertainment!, became a hit with critics. The album is considered to be a major influence on bands such as Nirvana and REM.

He left Gang of Four in 1981, going on to form the band Shriekback with Barry Andrews.