He defined the roar of Midwest art punk and remained one of American rock's most uncompromising voices right up to his final years

David Thomas, lead singer of Pere Ubu, died in his home in East Sussex, England at 71. His death was the result of "a long illness."

Co-founded by Mr. Thomas in 1975, Pere Ubu became a stalwart of underground rock, influencing bands including Sonic Youth, Gang of Four, REM and the Pixies.