Killing Joke

Together, the group bridged the curious gap between punk, funk, metal and Goth-rock, while occasionally predicting the end of the world.

While their astrological credentials were always in doubt, they maintained a formidable reputation as a live band.

Despite boasting of having an IQ over 190, swivel-eyed singer Jaz Coleman fled England for Iceland in 1982 because he was sure the apocalypse was imminent. The band appeared on Top of the Pops with a shop dummy standing in for him!rn

Coleman was nothing if not consistent in his madness: displeased with a British music paper in the mid-80s, he scattered liver and maggots around their offices. 

He has also conducted entire interviews in a made-up language.

The band split in 1986 (though they resurfaced in 1994) when their traditional doom-laden funk was suddenly replaced by chart friendly anthems such as Eighties and Love Like Blood.

Bassist Paul Raven died of a suspected heart attack in October 2007, aged 46. The Wolverhampton musician's body was found in Geneva, Switzerland, where he was recording. 

Raven's music career included stints in Neon Hearts and glam rock band Kitsch before he replaced original bassist Youth in 1982. 

He left the band in 1987 before forming Murder Inc and joining Ministry, Prong and Mob Research. Prong bandmate Ted Parsons found Raven in a chair and called an ambulance crew, which was unable to revive him.

After Raven's death, the original line-up of Killing Joke (Jaz, Youth, Geordie and Paul Ferguson) reunited. They received a lifetime achievement award from Kerrang! and continue to record and tour.