Douglas McCarthy, Voice of Nitzer Ebb and Industrial-Electronic Pioneer, Dies at 58
Douglas John McCarthy, the iconic frontman of British industrial-electronic band Nitzer Ebb, passed away on June 11, 2025, at the age of 58. The band’s official announcement, shared across their social media, conveyed the news with a heartfelt request: “It is with a heavy heart that we regret to inform that Douglas McCarthy passed away this morning of June 11th, 2025. We ask everyone to please be respectful of Douglas, his wife, and family in this difficult time. We appreciate your understanding and will share more information soon.”
Born on September 1, 1966, in Barking, East London, McCarthy moved with his family to Essex where he encountered future Nitzer Ebb drummer David Gooday during his youth. In 1982, McCarthy, Gooday, and programmer Bon Harris formed Nitzer Ebb—initially rehearsing with homemade “instruments” like a metal junk-drum affectionately dubbed “John”. By 1986, they had signed with Mute Records and in 1987 released their seminal debut album That Total Age, featuring electrifying tracks such as "Let Your Body Learn" and "Join in the Chant"—songs that would go on to define the genre of electronic body music (EBM).
McCarthy’s aggressive, barked vocal delivery and commanding stage presence—described as akin to “shouting and pointing”—gave life to the band’s militaristic sound and aesthetic. He once remarked on the austerity of Britain during the 1980s, stating their provocative style was merely a mirror of the gritty, political landscape of the time.
Nitzer Ebb toured extensively, opening for Depeche Mode during their 1987 Music for the Masses tour, further solidifying their international presence. They released four more albums—Belief (1989), Showtime (1990), Ebbhead (1991), and Big Hit (1995)—before disbanding. The group eventually reformed in 2006, releasing Industrial Complex and continuing to tour into the 2010sen.
Beyond his work with Nitzer Ebb, McCarthy’s artistry extended to collaborations with notable figures such as Alan Wilder of Recoil, and French techno producer Terence Fixmer, with whom he formed the duo Fixmer/McCarthy, releasing Between The Devil in 2004 and touring regularly. In 2012, McCarthy released his first solo album, Kill Your Friends, combining his signature intensity with fresh sonic textures.
Despite his continued creativity, McCarthy faced mounting health challenges and was hospitalized in 2021 during Nitzer Ebb's U.S. tour, prompting a break from performing. He returned to the stage in 2023 but in early 2024, he withdrew from touring again after due the effects of liver cirrhosis, a consequence he attributed to years of alcohol misuse. At the time, he revealed he had been sober for over two years and was focused on recovery reddit.
Tributes have poured in from across the music world—bands, labels, fans, and artists alike have hailed McCarthy’s innovation and influence. His legacy endures, not only through his own memorable body of work but through the countless musicians and genres he inspired—artists ranging from Nine Inch Nails and Rammstein to pioneers of techno such as Jeff Mills and Carl Craig.
Douglas McCarthy’s voice defined a movement; his uncompromising energy resonated in nightclubs and festivals around the world. He leaves behind his wife, family, bandmates, and a legion of devoted fans who continue to chant in his honor.
Douglas John McCarthy, de iconische frontman van de Britse industrial-electronic band Nitzer Ebb, is op 11 juni 2025 overleden op 58-jarige leeftijd.
De officiële aankondiging van de band, gedeeld via hun sociale media, bracht het nieuws met een oprecht verzoek:
"Met een zwaar hart moeten wij u helaas mededelen dat Douglas McCarthy deze ochtend, 11 juni 2025, is overleden. Wij vragen iedereen om in deze moeilijke tijd respectvol om te gaan met Douglas, zijn vrouw en zijn familie. Wij waarderen uw begrip en zullen binnenkort meer informatie delen."
Douglas McCarthy werd geboren op 1 september 1966 in Barking, Oost-Londen. Hij verhuisde met zijn familie naar Essex, waar hij als tiener drummer David Gooday ontmoette, de toekomstige medeoprichter van Nitzer Ebb. In 1982 richtten McCarthy, Gooday en programmeur Bon Harris samen de band op. Ze repeteerden aanvankelijk met zelfgemaakte “instrumenten”, waaronder een metalen rommel-drum die liefdevol “John” werd genoemd. In 1986 tekenden ze een contract bij Mute Records, en in 1987 brachten ze hun baanbrekende debuutalbum *That Total Age* uit, met energieke nummers als "Let Your Body Learn" en "Join in the Chant"—songs die het genre Electronic Body Music (EBM) zouden helpen definiëren.
McCarthy’s agressieve, scanderende zangstijl en krachtige podiumpresentatie—vaak omschreven als “roepen en wijzen”—gaven de militaristische klank en esthetiek van de band hun karakteristieke kracht. Hij zei ooit dat hun provocerende stijl slechts een weerspiegeling was van het harde, politieke landschap van het Groot-Brittannië van de jaren tachtig.
Nitzer Ebb toerde intensief en trad in 1987 op als voorprogramma van Depeche Mode tijdens hun *Music for the Masses*-tour, wat hun internationale reputatie verder versterkte. De band bracht daarna vier albums uit: *Belief* (1989), *Showtime* (1990), *Ebbhead* (1991) en *Big Hit* (1995), voordat ze tijdelijk uit elkaar gingen. In 2006 kwam de band opnieuw samen en bracht het album *Industrial Complex* uit. Ze bleven optreden tot in de jaren 2010.
Naast zijn werk met Nitzer Ebb, werkte McCarthy samen met bekende artiesten zoals Alan Wilder van Recoil en de Franse techno-producer Terence Fixmer. Met Fixmer vormde hij het duo Fixmer/McCarthy, waarmee hij in 2004 het album *Between The Devil* uitbracht en veelvuldig tourde. In 2012 bracht McCarthy zijn eerste soloalbum *Kill Your Friends* uit, waarin hij zijn kenmerkende intensiteit combineerde met frisse klanken.
Ondanks zijn blijvende creativiteit kreeg McCarthy te maken met toenemende gezondheidsproblemen. In 2021 werd hij opgenomen in het ziekenhuis tijdens de Amerikaanse tour van Nitzer Ebb, wat leidde tot een onderbreking van zijn optredens. Hij keerde in 2023 terug op het podium, maar trok zich begin 2024 opnieuw terug vanwege de gevolgen van levercirrose, een aandoening die toegescreven wordt aan jarenlang alcoholmisbruik. Op dat moment vertelde hij dat hij al meer dan twee jaar nuchter was en zich op zijn herstel focuste.
Over de hele wereld hebben collega-artiesten, labels, fans en muzikanten hulde gebracht aan McCarthy’s innovatieve geest en invloed. Zijn nalatenschap leeft voort, niet alleen in zijn indrukwekkende oeuvre, maar ook in de generaties artiesten die hij heeft geïnspireerd van Nine Inch Nails en Rammstein tot techno-iconen als Jeff Mills en Carl Craig.
De stem van Douglas McCarthy definieerde een beweging; zijn compromisloze energie weerklonk in clubs en op festivals wereldwijd. Hij laat zijn vrouw, familie, bandleden en een legioen toegewijde fans achter, die zijn naam blijven scanderen ter ere van zijn leven en werk.
On this day, 34 years ago, Kraftwerk released their remix album The Mix. It was released on 11 June 1991 and featured re-recorded and, in some cases, re-arranged versions of a selection of songs which were released on their previous albums.
Ralf Hütter stated in interviews that he regarded The Mix as a type of live album, as it captured the results of the band's continual digital improvisations in their Kling Klang studio. The band had made a return to the stage in 1990, after a nine-year hiatus from touring, and since then the band's live setlist has used arrangements drawn from The Mix rather than the original recordings. As the band didn't want to release a traditional "Greatest Hits" or "Best of" collection they opted for 'The Mix'.
At the time, the band were in the process of reconfiguring their Kling Klang studio from analog to digital recording technology; integrating MIDI into their setup and creating sound archives from their original master tapes that were stored onto computers. This proved to be an ongoing task, as new upgrades and equipment were continually made available in the years following the album project. Despite no new, original recorded material or live tours outside of Europe, Ralf Hütter did not want Kraftwerk to appear defunct to the public.
The album's production is credited to Ralf Hütter, Florian Schneider, and Fritz Hilpert, the latter of whom had replaced percussionist and stage set designer Wolfgang Flür after Flür left the group in 1987. Karl Bartos also left the band in 1991 and was replaced by Fernando Abrantes. Bartos claimed in later interviews that much of his programming work was still featured on The Mix, uncredited.
The album received rather mixed reception on its release. Although many music magazines and citric rated the album from good to very good, many fans were disappointed at the lack of new compositions and, moreover, the production values of the re-recorded tracks did not strike many listeners as particularly cutting edge, something which Kraftwerk had previously been renowned for. The Mix was created entirely digitally, albeit during a period when the technology had yet to reach its maturity, and thus featured a sound which many listeners tend to find somewhat "sterile" compared to the analogue electronics employed on most of Kraftwerk's previous recordings of these songs. Nevertheless, The Mix placed first in The Wire's year-end poll, the first time the magazine—previously known for its focus on jazz—opened up an all-genre category.
The album has been released in both an English and German sung version and on various different formats like double 12" vinyl, Cassette and CD and was officially re-released in 2009.
The Mix - Tracklist
1. The Robots / Die Roboter 8:56
2. Computer Love / Computerliebe 6:35
3. Pocket Calculator / Taschenrechner 4:32
4. Dentaku / Calculator 3:27
5. Autobahn 9:27
6. Radioactivity / Radioaktivität 6:53
7. Trans-Europe Express 3:20
8. Abzug 2:18
9. Metal on Metal / Metall auf Metall 4:58
10.Home Computer / Heimcomputer") 8:02
11.Music Non Stop / Musik Non-Stop 6:38
On this day, 29 years ago, Nitzer Ebb released the 'As Is' EP (10 June 1991), prior to their fourth studio album 'Ebbhead', on 7" vinyl, 12" Vinyl, CD, and cassette through Mute Records (MUTE122).
The EP features four tracks, each mixed by a different artist / producer. The first track, 'Family Man' is the only one which was also featured on Ebbhead album, albeit in a different version. It was mixed by Jaz Coleman, vocalist and frontman of Killing Joke. The second track, 'Lovesick' was mixed by Flood who produced the band's second and third albums, Belief and Showtime as well as the previously mentioned Ebbhead. The third track, 'Come Alive' was mixed by Alan Wilder of Depeche Mode, who would eventually be hired to co-produce the Ebbhead album. The last track, 'Higher' was mixed by Barry Adamson and Paul Kendall (PK). Barry Adamson was the bassist for Howard Devoto's Magazine and Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds and PK is an engineer/producer who has worked mainly for Mute Records on various Depeche Mode and Flood projects.
As Is (tracklist)
1. Family Man 3:56
2. Lovesick 4:00
3. Come Alive 6:12
4. Higher 5:50
Nitzer Ebb
Bon Harris – programming
Douglas McCarthy – vocals
Julian Beeston – additional drums and percussion
This month, 43 years ago, Virgin Prunes released the stand-alone single Pagan Lovesong. It was originally released as 7” and 12” only by Rough Trade Records (RT 106) in 1982. Although it was a relative succes, reaching the UK indie chart’s 13th position, the songs of this release were not included on their upcoming debut album If I Die, I Die (November 1982). It was not only until the re-release of that album on CD (1990) Pagan Lovesong was included on the album. For the 12” and almost 7 minutes lasting version of Pagan Lovesong, the so called ‘Vibeakimbo’ version, and b-side ‘Dave is Dead’, the fans had to wait until the single was re-released as an CD single by New Rose Records in 1993. Then again, this CD-single didn’t fear the original single version edit but instead a slightly longer ‘Tormentallama’ version, exclusive to this release until today.
Pagan Lovesong (Lyrics)
Heathen, a pagan
No sun shines for me
Savage but gentle
The animal within
And I see it now
And I see it now
I had a weird dream
Watch but don't touch
I had a weird dream
I'm taking it away
Put it in a bag, hide it in a tree
Put it in a bag, hide it in a tree
I want to steal your heart, your heart
With these eyes I cannot see
And this cold heart never bleeds, never, oh no, never
Sweet smell this poison, the colour you bring
Tongue swollen venom, to touchâ?¦to love
And I see it now
And I see, see it now
I had a weird dream
Watch but don't touch
I had a weird dream
I'm taking it away
Put it in a bag, hide it in a tree
Put it in a bag, hide it in a tree
I want to steal your heart
I want to eat, eat your heart
I reach for the sky but never, never can touch
It seems so easy, easy to me
Still I cannot, will not take this thing
Hearsay, this heresy
A victim to sin
Eternal the torment, the answer lies within
I had a weird dream watch but don't touch
I had a weird dream I'm taking it away
The love you give is the love, the love you get, you get
Songwriters: David Kelly / Trevor Rowen / Richard Evans / David Watson / Gavin Friday / Derek Rowen
Pagan Lovesong - 7" single (RT 106)
a. Pagan Lovesong – 3:28
b. Dave-Id Is Dead – 4:17
Pagan Lovesong - 12" single (12 RT 106)
A. Pagan Lovesong (Vibeakimbo) 6:49
B1.Pagan Lovesong 3:28
B2. Dave-Id Is Dead 4:17
Pagan Lovesong - CD single (New Rose Records - 1993)
1. Pagan Lovesong (Tormentallama) 4:51
2. I Like the Way You're Frightened 8:25
3. Pagan Lovesong (Vibeakimbo) 6:49
4. Dave-Id Is Dead 4:18
Today, 47 years ago, Joy Division self-released their very first 7' EP, An Ideal For Living!
Today, 47 years ago, Joy Division self-released their very first EP, An Ideal For Living! All four tracks were recorded in just one day at the Pennine Sound studios in Oldham, UK, on 14th December 1977 and released as a 7” on the band’s own Enigma label. The band self-financed this recording on a budget of £400.
The original release was pressed as 1000 copies and sold out by September the same year.
While the band was still known as Warsaw during the recording sessions for this release, they changed their name to Joy Division before the release took place.
The sleeve was printed on a 14' x 14' piece of thin cardstock and then folded into four squares. The front cover has a black-and-white Hitler Youth member beating a drum, which was drawn by guitarist Bernard Sumner and their bandname printed in a German gothic style blackletter font. The cover design, coupled with the nature of the band's name, fuelled controversy over whether the band had Nazi sympathies. When the EP was re-released on 12-inch vinyl, the original cover was replaced by artwork featuring scaffolding.
Numerous counterfeit editions of this release exist. Only the original vinyl has serrated vinyl around the label and different contours on the label.
Today, original copies are being traded between collectors and fans for prices from € 1500 to a stunning almost € 3000!
An Ideal For Living - Tracklist
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A1 |
Warsaw |
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A2 |
No Love Lost |
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B1 |
Leaders Of Men |
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B2 |
Failures |
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