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Mick Karn Obituary
Statements posted on his website and Facebook page said the 52-year-old musician died of cancer at his home in London on Tuesday. In June, he announced on his website that he had been diagnosed with advanced-stage cancer; the specific type was not mentioned.
Karn was co-founder of Japan along with David Sylvian and Steve Jansen. The group's 1982 album, "Tin Drum," included the hit song, "Ghosts."
John Taylor, the bass guitarist of 1980s English New Wave band Duran Duran, played tribute to Karn on Duran Duran's website.
He described Karn as a "bassist and super-sideman", and "one of the great visual and sound stylists of the late-seventies/early-eighties."
Taylor said he first saw Japan with his brother Nick at Barbarellas in Birmingham on their Obscure Alternatives tour.
"Mick changed my life in a good way, "Quiet Life" and "Gentlemen Take Polaroids," "Adolescent Sex" and "Tin Drum" are amongst the best recordings made during the post-punk era in my view," he added.
"He shall be missed."
Karn was born Andonis Michaelides in Cyprus, and came to Britain with his family at age 3.
He is survived by his wife Kyoko and son Metis.
Copyright © 2011 The Associated Press
41 Entries
Tommy Hagnauer
December 13, 2020
Bless you Mick.
Phillip Jordan
November 19, 2019
Sonic mastery of Micks work on Tin Drum along with the pioneering work of japans members was a uniquely fresh take on the new wave era, with strong far eastern influeneces. Mick had a sound that was tastefully different, his passing is truly a huge loss to lovers of all thing different & cutting edge & obscure. We mourn your passing , we celebrate your life and that the taste of sonic cool you left for us to enjoy.
Monique
October 2, 2018
Just spent an evening listening to my favorite band from my teenage years. The music still sounds just as good and timeless. Dear Mick and family, please know you are not forgotten and your music is still so much appreciated and loved. You were one of a kind.
Sundance Miska
August 3, 2017
what a wonderful man, talented and taken away too soon. i will always remember the visitation dream i had of you, telling me to try my hardest and get good grades. it inspires me... keep playing that beautiful bass and until we meet again...
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April 20, 2017
Just listened to Sleepers awake and the tears started to roll down my face, God bless Mick sadly missed never forgotten x
July 11, 2016
RIP Dear Mick. I will Always play your music. RS Norway
Patrice
January 4, 2016
And Condolences to your Family
Patrice
January 3, 2016
My tribute to Mick
So many journeys,
from Cyprus to England
from Paris to London
from Dreams to Monsters
and finally,
from Japan to Death.
5 years later,
still in memories
alone we are
without you.
So much you played a part in Music and Art.
Many thanks again and again.
We miss you.
Rest in peace.
mayo villarreal
April 10, 2015
See you on the other side mick , when i heard the news i was in the Hospital batteling cancer miss you .
pat
February 27, 2013
...still missing you.
Abbysmum heath
November 12, 2011
still listen to your fab fretless bass guitar work. Japan was a big part of my young and older life my kids aged 21 and 11 are both regailed with the stories of my memories of your japan concerts when i was young and so were you fab times see you when i get there babe xxx god bless
Carole Young
October 8, 2011
You leave a terrific legacy, Mick. A genius, Uber sad you died exactly a week before my lovely Dad, of the same condition. Who would have thought all those years ago when I blared out Japan at full volume?!!!! God bless you x
Julie Dawn Bellwood
June 15, 2011
Miss you so very much , take care Mick xx
Julie Dawn Bellwood
April 3, 2011
I will miss you Mick , so very much , Will always enjoy your music and photo's , I grew up listening to Japan x and loved every bit ! My lovely Mum died suddenly on the 6th Feb 2011 , so you will have Marion by now bless! Love and hugs to you .
gary timmins
March 18, 2011
RIP MICK YOUR MUSIC WILL NEVER LEAVE US.
March 16, 2011
30 years.of fantastic bass playing will be missed in deep shock.
paul alcock
Kate McKenzie
February 4, 2011
Not only an amazing bassist but such a lovely human being. My deepest condolences to Mick's wife, son, family and friends.
You'll be missed dear Mick. x
MARC OFFORD
January 12, 2011
You changed everything for me when I saw Japan in 1980, thanks for the visual and musical influences. RIP Mick... Marc O
Richard Martin
January 11, 2011
A wonderful artist who will be missed. RIP
Richard (Rhode Island)
C M
January 9, 2011
We can all look forward to hearing his beautiful sounds during the resurrection as he plays praise about God and not men. May the God of all comfort, bring comfort to the family and friends of Mr Mick Karn.
Garry
January 8, 2011
very sad news,my thoughts and prayers with your wife and son. Carry on playing the bass in heaven
January 8, 2011
Sentiments of
condolences to 'Mick'
Karn and Family&Friends
david carroll
January 7, 2011
loved your music RIP
erik beemster
January 7, 2011
subtle fretless Mick, thank you for your magic touch surrounding my
(y)ears with joy.......
Shaun Pickford
January 7, 2011
Mick, to me you was the best bass player who ever walked the face of the earth. I have never heard anyone who can make a bass talk before. You are an inspiration. Sadly you have been taken from us, far too soon. Our hearts go out to you and your family. God bless fella. There will be some lucky people in heaven who will sit forever listening to you playing .
January 6, 2011
My thoughts and prayers are with the Karn Family in their time of grief. At times like these, drawing close to God in prayer is what will "sustain you."
(Psalm 55:2) I hope this will bring the family a measure of comfort.
A Friend
A.
January 6, 2011
So, so sad. A very talented man—gone too soon.
Tom Smith
January 6, 2011
May the God of all comfort, comfort the family, friends, and fans of Mick Karn. We can all look forward to a time when there will be no more sickness, crime and death because God promises to make all things new.
B. Poteat
January 6, 2011
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
January 6, 2011
Along with Jaco Pastorius - he was one of the best . . .
A. Chatman
January 6, 2011
We will miss Mick, his music was a joy for many to listen to. The day will come when no one will be dying. God has promise to 'make all things new' for the human family. "No more pain, sickness, or death, the former things will pass away." May the family and friends continue to draw close to God.
Adrian Wood
January 6, 2011
Mick - I listened to you and the band religiously from the age of 13 - Your music style was genius, your sound incredible, thank you so much for all your amazing music and stage prescence. I was so sad to hear of your illness last year and your untimely death, you will be sorely missed on Earth, play on in Heaven Mick. RIP - AWood
SCOTT CHAMBERLAND
January 6, 2011
REST IN PEACE
Peri
January 6, 2011
May your soul rest in peace. You live on through your extraordinary music.
Mike Neylon
January 6, 2011
A truely wonderful talented , no gifted musician and man taken much too soon .
Mark Anderson
January 6, 2011
Thank you, Mick Karn, for creating such wonderful, beautifully unique music through your mastery of the bass guitar. You will be missed dearly by many.
Pat Olkiewicz
January 5, 2011
Mick reinvented the bass guitar and gave it a life of its own. A true innovator and a vital member of one of the best bands ever, Japan. RIP Mick.
R Golay
January 5, 2011
To the the family of Mick Karn - May God give you peace and comfort through his word and the Lord Jesus Christ during this time of sorrow, I know that Mick will be missed by many.
January 5, 2011
Hey Mick, you were great for music. Rock on lad. Johnny Kay and the Cosmetics
January 5, 2011
Your music and style will influence generations to come. RIP from the Sheardowns
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