Kevin Amodia December 9th, 2014 - 11:12 AM
Brian Roy Goble, a staple in the Canadian punk scene, including being bassist and frontman for the Subhumans, has passed away at 57 of a heart attack.
Also known as “Wimpy Roy” and “Sunny Boy Roy”, SPIN reports that Goble was in a number of other bands around Vancouver such as Stone Crazy and D.O.A. Goble was a founding member of the Subhumans in 1978 alongside “Useless” Gerry Hannah, “Dimwit” Ken Montgomery, and “Normal” Mike Graham. Although the band only made two albums, 1980’s Incorrect Thoughts and 1983’s No Wishes, No Prayers before splitting, they are highly regarded in the punk community and have had their songs covered by numerous bands including D.O.A, NoMeansNo ands Overkill.
The Subhumans reunited in 2005 with Roy on lead vocals, which lead to their final studio LP, New Dark Age Parade released in 2006.
Many of Roy’s ex band members, punk scene affiliates, and fellow musicians took to social media to give their condolences:
I'm devastated Wimpy #DOA #Subhumans has left us Most heartfelt condolences to his kids Hard to believe We'd been friends for 50 years RIP
— Joe Keithley (@DOAJoe) December 8, 2014
I'm devastated Wimpy #DOA #Subhumans has left us Most heartfelt condolences to his kids Hard to believe We'd been friends for 50 years RIP
— Joe Keithley (@DOAJoe) December 8, 2014
Brian Goble was responsible for some of the greatest punk music ever produced in Canada. Huge loss. RIP Wimpy Roy. http://t.co/g8Zt3Rq95u
— Sam Sutherland (@samsthrlnd) December 8, 2014
R.I.P. Brian Goble from Vancouvers's The Subhumans & DOA. You were an incredible inspiration to me & punk worldwide. http://t.co/dVOWjqGA5f
— Nardwuar (@nardwuar) December 8, 2014
You were a huge inspiration Wimpy! 🙁
— Pink Mountaintops (@pinkmtps) December 8, 2014
RIP Brian Goble. Our condolences to family. One of Vancouver's finest rockers ever. http://t.co/4Eom6StYJV
— Zulu Records (@zulurecords) December 8, 2014
RIP Wimpy. The @VancouverSun is reporting the death of Canadian punk legend Brian "Wimpy Roy" Goble of DOA, the Subhumans, and the Skulls.
— Grant Lawrence (@GrantLawrence) December 8, 2014
According to the Huffington Post, Goble spoke about the Subhumans’ early days, in an interview with Sam Sutherland for his 2012 book, Perfect Youth: The Birth Of Canadian Punk, saying,
“My perception was it was kind of arty. It had more roots, and it already had some established bands that were pretty big draws. The crowds didn’t feel all that welcoming to a bunch of west coasters. I mean, there were some nice people, but I don’t think we ever felt like we were that welcome there.”
In his final years, Goble was known for helping people battle addiction and mental health issues in Vancouver’s downtown eastside with the Portland Hotel Society.
