TRIBUTES began pouring in yesterday for George Bacon, vocalist with popular South African band Hog Hoggidy Hog, and often referred to as South Africa’s “godfather of punk”, who was found dead in bed in Cape Town at the weekend.
He died, aged 40, early on Saturday, the morning after the first date of the group’s new national tour which had been intended to mark their 20th year in the music business at the end of this month.
“George arrived back at the band’s accommodation just outside Cape Town’s CBD after the gig. It was only after someone tried to wake him up next morning that they discovered he had passed away in his sleep,” said the band’s publicist, Margot van Wyk.
The cause of Bacon’s death remained unconfirmed at this point and details would be made available at a later stage, she added.
Bacon leaves behind his wife, Verena, and a son, who was born in January.
“George’s family is still grieving his death and do not wish to comment at this time,” said Van Wyk.
Bacon’s fellow band members said: “It is with great sadness that we write this message. We have lost our brother, and his memory will live on in our minds and hearts forever. All our love and condolences to Verena and family. George, you will be missed with all our hearts.” All across social media, members of the music industry sang the praises of Bacon.
Musician Francois van Coke wrote on Facebook: “He was an inspiration, a great dude and the greatest punk rock tour guide. He is going to be missed by many.”
The Rudimentals band wrote via Twitter: “To our brother who gave us our first-ever gig – respect. And we love you always. RIP.”
South African duo Goodluck wrote via Twitter: “Huge loss for SA music. RIP George Bacon. Thanks for the music.”
Bacon had lived in Chicago, Cape Town, Berlin and London, and was recently quoted as saying: “After having travelled the world quite a bit, there is a certain sense of freedom that you can only get from living in Africa, and in spite of all we don’t have in comparison.
“I still feel privileged having been born an African. If that somehow comes through in our music and is interpreted as being positive and uplifting, then that is awesome.”
His music career started during his time at elementary school, in a musical in 1987, playing the role of an African gardener.
Bacon and his “hogs”, noted for their mix of ska, punk, African and other sounds, played alongside such popular bands as NOFX, Mad Caddies, Lagwagon and Bad Religion.
Details of Bacon’s funeral and memorial service will be released later this week on the band’s social media pages.
The Mercury