April 19, 2009 20:15

Klaxons, Joy Division inspiration JG Ballard dies Klaxons Tickets

Cult science fiction writer passes away aged 78 after a long illness

Photo: Pieter M Van Hattem Next Previous

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Photo: Pieter M Van Hattem

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.

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Date/Time Venue Town/City Seetickets Viagogo
Jul 14, 2012 12:00 Bilbao Spain

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Date/Time Venue Town/City Seetickets Viagogo
Jul 14, 2012 12:00 Bilbao Spain

Buy Klaxons Tickets
from £50

 

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