Novelist Jack-Alain Léger [birth name Daniel Theron], variously known as Melmoth or Dashiell Hedayat during his brief stint with rock music in the late 1960s/early 1970s, has died at 66. He took his own life following a lifetime's struggle with manic depression.
In progressive circles he is most famous for his album "Obsolete", recorded with the "Camembert Electrique"-era line-up of Gong.
Source (in French) :
http://www.lemonde.fr/disparitions/a...9194_3382.html
So sorry to hear this. Quite a few prominent artists have succumbed to this illness, and I know people personally who've got it and practically are constantly living on the edge of the terminal. I didn't realize Hedayat's condition was this grave, though. I always liked Obsolete.Originally Posted by calyx
"Improvisation is not an excuse for musical laziness" - Fred Frith
"[...] things that we never dreamed of doing in Crimson or in any band that I've been in," - Tony Levin speaking of SGM
Sad news really!!!
I loved both of his albums (yes La Devanture is just as good as Obsolete, albeit rather different)... Always meant to check the man's writings, but never got around to it...
Thanks for the music Dashiell
RIP
my music collection increased tenfolds when I switched from drug-addicts to complete nutcases.
Wow...Obsolete is one of my favourite albums...RIP Dashiell
me too. love that weird album cover texture
thank you for posting this. I never would have heard this otherwise. Sorry to learn of this...
Steve F.
www.waysidemusic.com
www.cuneiformrecords.com
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
“Remember, if it doesn't say "Cuneiform," it's not prog!” - THE Jed Levin
Any time any one speaks to me about any musical project, the one absolute given is "it will not make big money". [tip of the hat to HK]
"Death to false 'support the scene' prog!"
please add 'imo' wherever you like, to avoid offending those easily offended.
I only just heard of this album recently and it's on my list. Sad to hear he passed away.
"The wind is slowly tearing her apart"
Sad Rain
Anekdoten
Very sad news...
I'll spin Melmoth and Dashiell Hedayat home this evening.
Enjoy the genius of Dashiell
In Blue or in Pink, Dashiell's albums will spin for a long time in my mind...
premonitory track, maybe
my music collection increased tenfolds when I switched from drug-addicts to complete nutcases.
First time that I saw what he looks like:
By the way- is it Mystère Rose ? I was always sure it was Chrysler Rouge...
The original tittle (as recorded on the Obsolete LP) is "Chrysler" (rose) but strangely he changed the lyrics to "Mystère" (Dassault's fighter) for this 1972 Discorama TV appearance.
Apparently the interview was done after the recording of the LP (1971) and the reason why he changed the lyrics is a.... mystère ! Only Dashiell knew, but now he's gone forever.
If anybody has more accurate informations please post here.
Still, the official recorded (Chrysler) version is better I.M.O
Both "La Devanture..." and "Obsolete" are essentials.
Rest in peace Dashiell.
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