James Chance, the influential saxophonist and singer known for his pioneering role in the “No Wave” movement, has passed away at the age of 71. His death was confirmed by his brother David Siegfried, who announced that Chance had been in declining health for several years prior to his passing at the Terence Cardinal Cooke Health Care Center in New York.
Born James Alan Siegfried in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Chance’s musical journey began in his youth, where he initially learned piano before taking up the saxophone at the age of 18. His early career saw him experimenting with jazz in bands like the James Siegfried Quintet and the Stooges-influenced Death. However, it was his move to New York in 1975 and subsequent formation of bands like Teenage Jesus and the Jerks, and later The Contortions, that cemented his legacy in the annals of punk and avant-garde music.
The Contortions, formed in 1977, released their influential debut album Buy in 1979, which was described as a “jazz funk manifesto for the punk generation.” Chance’s performances were known for their confrontational energy, often inciting physical confrontations among audience members during live shows—a reflection of his provocative and boundary-pushing approach to music.
Throughout his career, spanning over three decades, Chance recorded a diverse array of tracks ranging from spiky and comical pieces like “Disposable You” to rock and R&B influenced songs such as his cover of James Brown’s “King Heroin” on the album Lost Chance. His unique punk-funk style left an indelible mark on the music scene, influencing bands and artists across genres including Sonic Youth, Liars, Deerhoof, and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs.
Despite occasional friction and lineup changes within The Contortions, the band reunited for performances in the 2000s, including notable appearances at festivals like LA’s All Tomorrow’s Parties. Chance continued to perform sporadically, with his final live show believed to have taken place in the Netherlands in 2019.
James Chance leaves behind a legacy that extends beyond his musical contributions, impacting the experimental and avant-garde music scenes profoundly. He is survived by his mother Jean Siegfried, his brother David Siegfried, his wife Donna Seaman, and his sisters Jill Siegfried and Mary (Randy) Koehler.
As fans and the music community mourn his loss, James Chance’s pioneering spirit and boundary-breaking musical innovations will continue to resonate through generations of artists and listeners alike, ensuring his place as a true icon of punk-funk and ‘No Wave’ music.
