Famed ‘No Wave’ Composer Glenn Branca Dies

Kristy Sparow/Getty Images – Glenn Branca
Glenn Branca performs on stage during the Villette Sonique Festival at the Grande Halle on May 28, 2011 in Paris, France.

Experimental rock composer and guitarist Glenn Branca was confirmed to have died May 13 at the age of 69.

“Glenn Branca passed away in his sleep last night from Throat Cancer,” his wife and longtime collaborator Reg Bloor wrote on Facebook May 14. “Despite his gruff exterior, he was a deeply caring and fiercely loyal man. We lived in our own little world together. I love him so much. I’m absolutely devastated.”

Branca was born in Harrisburg, Penn., in 1948 and lived in Boston and London until 1976, when he moved to his home of New York City, where he would live for the rest of his life, according to his website.

He released 14 full-length albums, according to his biography and his works for orchestra were performed by the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, the London Sinfonietta, and The Orchestra of St. Lukes. He also collaborated with David Bowie, Peter Greenaway, and Sonic Youth, among many others.

In line with his wishes there will be no formal memorial service, according to Bloor.