Early bassist Neil Langford has died on stems

Neil Langford, early guitarist for The Shins, has handed away. Chains frontman James Mercer introduced the information on an A.I statement On the group’s official Instagram, he writes, “Probably the greatest pals I’ve ever had.” He added that Langford was a “essential determine” in his life, and that his former bandmate had helped him overcome his shyness and carry out reside. Mercer added, “A useful particular person, who turned me into Dinosaur Jr., Interview Journal, and Cocteau Twins.” Discover Mercer’s full eulogy beneath.

Langford had performed with Mercer earlier than forming Chains, when the 2 males have been members of Flick Music (previously Flick) within the early Nineties. After getting collectively in 1992, Flake Music launched just one album: 1997’s Whenever you land right here, it is time to head again. This file included a prophetic music title: the ninth observe referred to as “The Shanks”. Sub Pop reissued the LP in 2014.

Along with Mercer and Langford, Flake Music’s line-up included Jesse Sandoval, Martin Crandall, and Phil Higgs – all of whom performed on the Shins’ 2001 debut, Oh, the the other way up world. However by the point Shins recorded their second album Chutes are very slenderLangford is not within the band. On the time, Langford stated he took a scorching air balloon.

On July twenty first NBC affiliate WITN In North Carolina, Langford, whom they known as an area scorching air balloonist, was discovered useless in Tub Creek close to a personal dock. The reason for loss of life has not been disclosed, however legislation enforcement officers don’t suspect foul play.

In a 2020 interview with Milwaukee RadioMercer spoke at size about his early friendship with Langford, and particularly mentioned Langford’s affect on his musical tastes. “He was the best child I’ve ever met,” Mercer stated, including that Langford was dwelling in North Carolina along with his companion on the time, and “doing an incredible job.”

Mercer concluded his tribute to Lanford with, “There’s lots of story however I liked him. And I owe rather a lot to him. Neil Langford, you at all times have been liked and at all times can be.”

Simply wish to allow you to guys know that among the finest pals I’ve ever had has handed away. He was in a number of bands with me together with Shins. You’ll be able to say a vital particular person in my life. I imply, that is the person who pushed me to beat my shyness and get on stage. Put me in entrance of the microphone! He was the Catholic schoolboy who confirmed me the way to sneak into the again of the previous El Rey Theater and get a “free” beer. Priceless particular person! Who turned me into Dinosaur Jr. And Interview Journal, and Cocteau Twins, and numerous heaps of nice stuff.

He’d take me out on his El Camino and we might take heed to his newest mixtape. with our deviation. Driving when possibly we weren’t meant to be. The place we should not be. We have been like that. a very long time in the past. There may be lots of story however I liked it. I owe him rather a lot. Neil Langford, you have got at all times been a darling and at all times can be.