Subhumans legend Brian "Wimpy Roy" Goble dead

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      Vancouver punk-rock legend Brian "Wimpy Roy" Goble has reportedly died. 

      News has spread across the Internet, with local author Chris Walter writing on his Facebook page "Much sadness here in Vancouver" and Stephen McBean of Pink Mountaintops tweeting "You were a huge inspiration Wimpy". Zulu Records posted on its Twitter account "Our condolences to family. One of Vancouver's finest rockers ever."

      Goble played in countless local bands over the years, holding down bass duties in such acts as D.O.A., Rude Norton, and Evil Twang. But it was pioneering punk band the Subhumans that made him internationally respected in the underground music community.

      One of the first punk bands in North America, the group was also one of the all-time best, releasing classic genre-defining songs like "Fuck You", "Death to the Sickoids", and "Slave to My Dick". The Subhumans initially broke up in 1982 but re-formed for periodic shows over the last decade. The band's debut full-length, Incorrect Thoughts, remains a punk-rock landmark.

      Goble, who'd worked for the Portland Hotel Society for years, reportedly died as a result of a heart attack. He was 57. Known by everyone who met him as one of the good ones on the local music scene, he will be sadly missed.

      Here's the Subhumans performing "Oh Canaduh" on legendary local cable show Soundproof back in 1978.

      Comments

      19 Comments

      Mr Ed Banger

      Dec 8, 2014 at 4:54am

      Had the privilege of promoting a few of Brian's bands back in the day - DOA, Rude Norton and the Judas Goat - and they always put on a fantastic show with lots of laughs. The bill of the DKs, Subhumans, K-Tels and Private School at the Legion on Commercials and 6th that I saw as a teenager was one of the best shows I ever saw - period. Brian one of the main reasons the local punk scene was so good.

      Alec Whitford

      Dec 8, 2014 at 9:35am

      I had never heard The Subhumans until I met Brian and saw them play in 2010. As a punk from a younger generation, somehow they'd slipped under my radar. He was a force of nature on stage that night, and it was something I'll never forget. To see first generation punks, nursing sore knees and old bones, rock that hard was incredibly inspiring.

      I only met him because he was dating a woman that I worked with, so I had the privilege of having a few good conversations with him in the last few years. He was a good man, a kind soul, and punk as fuck. He once gave me a ride home, and we talked about the anger of being a punk and how when he was young he fantasized about post-apocalyptic destruction so he could be alone from the world. But he found that as he got older those fantasies just went away and he still felt punk but not angry at the world like that. He felt like connection to others was so much more important. It was an incredible conversation, and it changed my views of punk, myself, and the world. The world lost a true voice yesterday. And punk lost one of its finest ambassadors.

      Sam Chu

      Dec 8, 2014 at 10:23am

      Never heard of him, but since he did 'punk rock' I'm sure he will be mythed.

      A. MacInnis

      Dec 8, 2014 at 10:42am

      Had a weird moment of bonding with Brian when I discovered that he and I had been at some of the same Tad shows and that he was a big Tad fan! I'll miss him, a really nice guy and a great songwriter/ singer...

      Michael King

      Dec 8, 2014 at 11:39am

      A big loss and much too young. On hearing the news, I immediately listened to "Firing Squad", one of my all time favourites in any genre. Brilliant. Condolences to family and friends. Descanse en paz.

      Mike Usinger

      Dec 8, 2014 at 1:16pm

      You really have to wonder what kind of goddamn horrid trolls would thumbs-down the first comment. There's a good reason you will be spending Christmas alone.

      RUK

      Dec 8, 2014 at 1:40pm

      Never got to meet him, but we played some of the same venues and of course I was a huge Subhumans and DOA fan. Recently I read about his work with Portland Hotel and that seems like a very caring and humane way to apply the skills and sensibilities of an artist. This really sucks. RIP Wimpy.

      Doug Smith

      Dec 8, 2014 at 7:07pm

      Brian was a truly fine human being - aside from his immeasurable musical accomplishments. A fantastic wit, solid community member, advocate for the undervalued and neglected, a proud and active father and, smart as hell!

      Fortunate enough to have watched him play, opened shows for many of his bands, and...done a few overnight shifts as a 15 year old with Brian and other punk rock stalwarts from Burnaby at the old Royal City/Delnor food plant.

      Rest in peace my friend - and, to his immediate and extended families, my deepest condolences!

      just another punk rock lover

      Dec 8, 2014 at 7:43pm

      i can't believe this story is buried at the bottom of the straight. This guy was a genius. one of the greatest ever. i am honoured to have seen him in his prime in the subs and DOA. A great guy too in every way. And i never write in to the straight

      Steve Mitchell

      Dec 8, 2014 at 9:54pm

      Saw him perform a few times. Great fun at the buddah.