Klaxons, Joy Division inspiration JG Ballard dies
Cult science fiction writer passes away aged 78 after a long illness
JG Ballard, the cult science fiction writer who inspired bands including Klaxons and Joy Division, has died aged 78 today (April 19).
The author is best known for novels including 'Crash' and 'The Drowned World', and for his wartime memoir 'Empire Of The Sun', later made into a film directed by Steven Spielberg.
Klaxons' debut album 'Myths Of The Near Future' was named after a collection of short stories by Ballard, and many of their lyrics share similar themes with the writer.
The opening track of Joy Division's second and final album 'Closer' was named after the writer's experimental 1969 novel 'The Atrocity Exhibition'.
Manic Street Preachers included a spoken word sample of Ballard on 'The Holy Bible' track 'Mausoleum', while Radiohead's Thom Yorke is also known to be a fan.
Ballard was diagnosed with advanced prostrate cancer in June 2006 - the disease later spread to his spine and ribs.
Blog - why JG Ballard is rock's favourite novelist.
The author is best known for novels including 'Crash' and 'The Drowned World', and for his wartime memoir 'Empire Of The Sun', later made into a film directed by Steven Spielberg.
Klaxons' debut album 'Myths Of The Near Future' was named after a collection of short stories by Ballard, and many of their lyrics share similar themes with the writer.
The opening track of Joy Division's second and final album 'Closer' was named after the writer's experimental 1969 novel 'The Atrocity Exhibition'.
Manic Street Preachers included a spoken word sample of Ballard on 'The Holy Bible' track 'Mausoleum', while Radiohead's Thom Yorke is also known to be a fan.
Ballard was diagnosed with advanced prostrate cancer in June 2006 - the disease later spread to his spine and ribs.
Blog - why JG Ballard is rock's favourite novelist.
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hitchy249
Apr 20, 2009
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Apr 20, 2009
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Apr 20, 2009
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