David Fair, co-founder of the influential band Half Japanese, has died at the age of 74 following a battle with cancer. The musician passed away on Saturday 29 August.
His daughter Harper announced the news in a heartfelt message shared on her father's Facebook page. She wrote: "It is with a heavy heart that I announce that my father, David Fair, passed away on August 29th, 2026. He lived a beautiful life of love, kindness, and creativity."
"Somewhere not on this Earth he has been reunited with the love of his life Pam. Thank you all for honoring him, I know he's smiling down at every picture and video he sees."
Musical Legacy
David and his brother Jad started Half Japanese in their bedroom during the mid-70s, releasing their first collection of home recordings, an EP titled Calling All Girls in 1977. After putting it out on their own label, they later signed with a British indie label and released their debut album Half Gentleman/Not Beasts in 1980.
In 1993, the band opened for Nirvana's In Utero tour on dates on the US East Coast. Kurt Cobain had invited Half Japanese to open for the band.
Tributes and Remembrance
Producer and friend Don Fleming added: "David Fair of 1/2 Japanese and Coo Coo Rockin' Time died yesterday. His daughter Harper toasted him with a root beer float, and he passed soon after, peacefully."
"He had been getting treatments for cancer over the last couple of years. The sweetest guy, with a great sense of humor. He was a pure artist and musician, all from the heart. Goodbye David."
Tributes poured in for David as news of his death spread. One fan wrote: "He changed the whole conversation about music, creativity, and a selfless playfulness," as another added: "A deep soul and sadly missed. but I think that he and people like Dolly, can do even better work on the otherside, now detached from their failing physical frameworks."
A third typed: "I started going to Half Japanese concerts in 1979, or even earlier, while still a student at Hopkins. David, Jad and the rest have been a part of my life for the better part of 5 decades. I cannot imagine a world without David. The kindest person I know."
