John Balance

Who was John Balance?

John Balance, was an English musician and a co-founder of the experimental music group Coil, in collaboration with his partner Peter 'Sleazy' Christopherson. He was responsible for vocals, lyrics, chants, synthetics and various esoteric sound-making instruments and devices. Outside of Coil he collaborated with Nurse with Wound, Death in June, Psychic TV, Current 93, Chris & Cosey, Thighpaulsandra and produced several Nine Inch Nails remixes. His early work and wide-ranging collaborations made him one of the most influential figures in the industrial, experimental minimalist and neofolk music scenes.

Balance died on 13 November 2004, after falling from a two story balcony at his home. Peter Christopherson announced Balance's death on the Threshold House website, and provided details surrounding the tragedy. Balance's memorial service was held near Bristol on 23 November, and was attended by approximately 100 people. Ossian Brown, a long term collaborator and member of Coil, dedicated his first book Haunted Air to Balance.