John McKay | |
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![]() McKay performing live with Siouxsie and the Banshees, June 1979 | |
Background information | |
Born | 6 June 1958 |
Origin | United Kingdom |
Genres | Post-punk |
Occupation | Musician |
Instrument(s) | Guitar, saxophone |
Formerly of |
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Website | The John McKay Bandcamp -Official Website |
John McKay (born 6 June 1958) is an English musician and songwriter. He was the first studio guitarist of Siouxsie and the Banshees. He was a member of the group from July 1977 until September 1979. He played a "jagged unorthodox chording",[1] and created a "metal-shard roar" with his guitar.[2] Q magazine included McKay's work on "Hong Kong Garden" in its list of the "100 Greatest Guitar Tracks Ever".[3] He recorded two studio albums with the band, their debut album The Scream in 1978 and Join Hands in 1979.
McKay has been cited as an influence by guitarists such as Geordie Walker of Killing Joke, Robert Smith of the Cure, Pat Smear of Germs, Steve Albini of Big Black, Thurston Moore of Sonic Youth, Johnny Marr of the Smiths, Jim Reid of the Jesus and Mary Chain, Kevin Shields of My Bloody Valentine and Boz Boorer of Morrissey's band. He has been qualified the innovator by producer Steve Lillywhite.
On 8 May 2025, he will release his first solo album Sixes And Sevens.[4]
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