John Balance facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Balance
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John Balance
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Geoffrey Laurence Burton |
| Also known as | John Balance, Jhonn Balance, Jhon Balance |
| Born | 16 February 1962 Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, England |
| Died | 13 November 2004 (aged 42) Weston-super-Mare, Somerset, England |
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| Occupation(s) | Musician poet |
| Instruments |
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| Years active | 1979–2004 |
| Labels | Chalice Threshold House Eskaton |
| Associated acts | Coil Psychic TV |
Geoffrey Nigel Laurence Rushton (born February 16, 1962 – died November 13, 2004) was an English musician, artist, and poet. He was widely known by his stage names, John Balance or Jhonn Balance.
John Balance was famous for co-founding the experimental music group Coil. He started this group in 1982 with Peter Christopherson. Coil continued to make music until Balance's death in 2004.
In Coil, John Balance was the main singer. He also wrote most of the lyrics and chants. He played many instruments, including synthesizers and other unique objects.
Besides Coil, he worked with many other musicians. These included Nurse with Wound, Death in June, Psychic TV, and Current 93. He also helped create remixes for the band Nine Inch Nails.
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Early Life and Musical Start
John Balance was born Geoffrey Laurence Burton. He later took the last name 'Rushton' from his stepfather. When he was a teenager, he became a fan of Peter Christopherson's band, Throbbing Gristle.
Both Balance and Christopherson were part of Christopherson's next band, Psychic TV. After a while, they both left Psychic TV. They decided to form their own group, which became Coil.
John Balance was very busy when he was young. Before Coil, he released his own small magazines called Stabmental. These were like fan magazines, often made by fans for other fans. He also wrote many letters to other musicians and artists.
He also put together three music collections called Endzeit, Bethel, and The Men with the Deadly Dreams. These collections featured music from bands he liked. Today, these albums are rare and valuable.
From a young age, Balance was interested in old spiritual ideas and mysteries. He continued to explore these topics throughout his life.
John Balance's Passing
On November 13, 2004, John Balance had a tragic accident. He fell from a second-story balcony at his home. He was taken to the hospital but sadly passed away that evening.
Peter Christopherson shared the news of Balance's death online. He also explained the details of the accident. A memorial service for John Balance was held near Bristol on November 23. About 100 people attended to remember him.
In November 2014, a book of his artwork was published. It was called "Bright Lights and Cats with no Mouths."
Music Projects and Collaborations
John Balance started recording music using the name "Murderwerkers." One of his first songs, "Blue Funk (Scars for E)," was on a music collection called Standard Response. He also released a song called "A Thin Veil of Blood" under the name Stabmental.
Later, Balance joined Peter Christopherson and Boyd Rice. They recorded an album called Nightmare Culture as "The Sickness of Snakes." Then, Balance joined Psychic TV with Christopherson.
In 1984, Balance and Christopherson left Psychic TV to create Coil. They also worked with another group called Zos Kia. Their first release together was a shared album called Transparent. This album is considered Coil's very first release.
During Coil's 23 years, John Balance worked with many other artists. He appeared on albums by musicians like Jim Thirlwell, Marc Almond, and Current 93.
Music with Psychic TV
- Dreams Less Sweet
- Just Drifting
- Berlin Atonal Vol. 2
- N.Y. Scum
- Mein-Goett-In-Gen
Music with Coil
Other Group Projects
- Murderwerkers: "Blue Funk (Scars for E)" on Standard Response. (1979)
- Stabmental: "A Thin Veil of Blood" on Deleted Funtime - Various Tunes for Various Loons. (1980)
- Sickness of Snakes: Nightmare Culture (1985)
- Rosa Mundi: "The Snow Man" on The Final Solstice, The Final Solstice II and Grief. (1999)
