Andrew Bodnar, Bassist for Graham Parker & the Rumour, Dies at 71
Andrew Bodnar, the esteemed bass guitarist celebrated for his pivotal role in the British pub-rock scene with Graham Parker & the Rumour, has died at the age of 71. Renowned as one of the finest bassists of his generation, Bodnar possessed a remarkable talent for playing precisely what a song demanded, often adding subtle embellishments that enhanced the musical feel. His legacy extends beyond the Rumour, including iconic bass lines on Elvis Costello's Watching the Detectives (1977) and Nick Lowe's I Love the Sound of Breaking Glass (1978), as well as touring stints with the Thompson Twins.
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Born in Kennington, south London, Andrew was the youngest of three children to John, an upholsterer, and Louise (nee Bailey), a homemaker. He absorbed the musical influences of his older siblings, Richard and Ann, particularly drawn to bass-heavy Motown records. His passion for music ignited at Salesian college, a Catholic secondary school, where he learned classical double-bass. In 1970, he transitioned to electric bass, purchasing a Futurama model, and formed a lasting friendship with drummer Stephen Goulding, with whom he would later collaborate extensively.
Rise to Fame with the Rumour
Initially performing cover versions at social events, Bodnar and Goulding ventured into the London pub-rock circuit in the early 1970s under the name Bontemps Roulez. It was here they met Dave Robinson, co-founder of Stiff Records, who enlisted them as the label's go-to rhythm section at the Hope & Anchor pub studio in Islington. This led to collaborations with musicians Bob Andrews (keyboards), Brinsley Schwarz, and Martin Belmont (both guitars), culminating in the formation of the Rumour. Graham Parker soon joined as the lead vocalist and songwriter, solidifying the band's lineup.
The period from 1975 to 1980 marked the height of Bodnar's career, with Graham Parker & the Rumour releasing albums that showcased his sparkling bass work. His contributions to Watching the Detectives and I Love the Sound of Breaking Glass were particularly notable, earning him a writing credit for the latter track.
Career Hiatus and Later Years
By 1981, after extensive recording and touring, Bodnar found the pressures of life on the road overwhelming and temporarily stepped away from the music industry. He took up a position as a senior library assistant with Southwark libraries, a role he returned to intermittently. His musical partnership with Parker resumed between 1987 and 1996, and in 2000, he met his long-term partner, architectural designer Peter Rayment, through mutual friends in London.
Relocating to Yorkshire to be with Rayment, Bodnar continued his library work at Malton library until retirement, all while pursuing musical projects. The Rumour reformed in 2011, leading to two new albums and a feature in Judd Apatow's film This Is 40 (2012), which included the band's music. Bodnar performed with the Rumour until their final tour in 2015, after which he focused on home-based music-making until his diagnosis with liver cancer in 2023.
Andrew Bodnar is survived by his partner Peter, and siblings Richard and Ann. His contributions to music, characterized by precision and feeling, leave an enduring mark on the British rock landscape.
