Jeffrey Runnings of For Against Passes Away at 61
Jeffrey Runnings, the esteemed vocalist and bassist of the post-punk band For Against, passed away on March 3, 2023, due to complications from stage 4 cancer. His death has been confirmed by Independent Project Records, a label closely associated with Runnings’ career. He was 61 years old. The news has prompted tributes from fellow musicians and fans who remember him for both his musical talent and his deep commitment to the art form.
A Musical Journey
Born in 1963 in Omaha, Nebraska, Runnings co-founded For Against in 1984 in Lincoln. Initially playing the keyboard, he later transitioned to bass and vocals amid changes in the band’s lineup. Runnings’ work with For Against yielded a distinctive sound within the post-punk genre, culminating in the release of their debut album, Echelons, in 1987 on Independent Project Records. Over the years, the band produced several acclaimed albums, including December (1988), In the Marshes (1990), and Aperture (1993).
The band’s influence continued over the next 15 years, with their last full-length album, Never Been, released in 2009. Retroactive interest in For Against’s music resulted in reissues of their earlier works, including a box set released in 2014 by Captured Tracks and a limited vinyl box set by Saint Marie Records in 2018.
Legacy and New Music
Runnings was not only a pivotal member of For Against but was also engaged in solo projects, including an upcoming album titled Piqued, set to be released later this year. Notably, the album will feature a four-track EP of rare recordings from the late 1980s. Earlier in the year, Runnings released the single “Batman Forever,” which served as a preview of his solo effort.
In a heartfelt statement shared with Pitchfork, Bruce Licher, founder of Independent Project Records, reflected on Runnings’ life and artistry, emphasizing his passion for music and the personal connections he nurtured through it. Licher noted, “Jeffrey Runnings was not only a good friend and an outstanding musician and songwriter, but someone whose life revolved around music. His unique voice will be missed on so many levels.”
Tributes Pour In
The announcement of Runnings’ passing has elicited a wave of tributes from fans and musicians alike, who recall not just his contribution to music but also his personal kindness and dedication to his craft. His legacy is marked by a collaborative and generous spirit, characterized by sharing music and fostering connections within and beyond the music community. Runnings’ commitment to sharing mixtapes and handwritten letters with friends, as highlighted by Licher, demonstrates the profound ways he engaged with the world around him.
Conclusion: A Lasting Impact
The loss of Jeffrey Runnings marks a significant moment in the music industry, particularly for fans of the post-punk movement. His contributions through For Against and his solo endeavors have left an indelible mark on the genre, and his passing serves as a reminder of the impact artists can have on their communities. Runnings’ forthcoming album Piqued is anticipated not only as a reflection of his enduring creativity but also as a tribute to his life’s work, ensuring that his unique voice continues to be heard.
For those looking to explore Runnings’ music further, the full details can be found on Independent Project Records’ website.
