Courtesy of independent.co.uk
Robert “Throb” Young, the former guitarist of Scottish rock band Primal Scream, was found dead in his England home on Tuesday, September 9th. The 49-year-old’s death is not being treated as suspicious, but the official cause has not be determined. Primal Scream frontman Bobby Gillespie, guitarist Andrew Innes, and the rest of the band released a statement together. “We have lost our comrade and brother Robert Young,” they said. “A beautiful and deeply soulful man… he was an irreplaceable talent, much admired amongst his peers. In the words of Johnny Marr, ‘Throb with a gold top Les Paul – unbeatable’.”
Young first joined Primal Scream as a bassist, just before they recorded their first album, Sonic Flower Groove, in 1987. After their successful debut, he switch to guitar, bringing his unique style to classic albums such as Screamadelica in 1991, Give Out But Don’t Give Up in 1994, and Vanishing Point in 1997. Their well-known hits include “Rocks,” “Loaded,” and “Movin’ On Up.” For every original track since the band’s beginning, Young was credited as a co-writer. He left the band in 2006 after making Riot City Blues, which according to Gillespie, was because “He’s got some personal problems that he’s got to sort out for himself.” Young remained on good terms with the members.
“He was a true rock and roller,” continued Gillespie and the band. “He walked the walk. He had ‘Heart & Soul’ tattooed on his arm and I’m sure on his heart too. He once said to me, ‘When we go onstage, it’s a war between us and the audience.’ He never let go of that attitude. Our love and thoughts are with his sons Brandon and Miles and their mother Jane, his wife Rachel, and his immediate family.”
Oasis’ Liam Gallagher and Andy Bell tweeted their condolences. Gallagher’s read “RIP Robert Young AKA ‘Throb’. Live Forever.” Bell noted one of Primal Scream’s greatest hits: “Rest in Peace Robert Young of (Primal Scream). That big power chord in ‘Loaded’ is ringing out on the other side now.” Tim Burgess of The Charlatans also retweeted Primal Scream’s original statement excerpt.
