I was absolutely gutted to learn this morning of the death of Peter Christopherson and continue to be so, a true legend of our time.

I can’t quite remember what my first Coil experience was but I do remember not really getting it until a few years later, Ruaridh TVO convinced me to listen to Time Machines.

Everything clicked instantly, Coil are the perfect example of my theory of post-cultural premonition where an artist exists who has a clear influence on your work and practices although you’ve produced the work before you’ve experienced theirs.

I’ve spent the years since getting drawn deeper and deeper into the sprawling back catalogue of Coil, and subsequently TG, and Sleazy’s more recent endeavours with Threshold Houseboys Choir and Soisong. The ever beautiful mix of the sound and mysticism.

I was fortunate enough to meet him a few years ago in Stereo, Glasgow before a THBC gig and really, I was so in awe that all I could really muster was the usual fanboy cliches while I shook his hand but he certainly came across as a warm and kind person.

Here’s to a great man who spent his entire life making amazing work, doing what he loved doing and pushing boundaries all over the place. His music has been a huge influence in my own work and has soundtracked an awful lot of my life and will continue to do so. I bet somewhere there is one hell of a Coil reunion gig going on!

“Wise words from the departing

Eat your greens, especially broccoli
Remember to say “thank you” for the things you haven’t had
By working the soil we cultivate the sky
We embrace vegetable kingdom
The death of your father, the death of your mother
Is something you prepare for

All your life
All their life

The death of the father and the death of the mother
Is something you prepare for

Wear sensible shoes and always say “thank you”
Especially for the things you never had

Is something you prepare for
All your life
All of your life

And enter the vegetable kingdom of our own heaven

By working the soil we cultivate good manners
Is to say “please” and “thank you”
Especially for the things you never had

And always say “thank you”
Especially for broccoli ”

You will be missed so much. Thank you. Rest in Peace.

D