James Chance Obituary

Born and raised in Milwaukee and Brookfield, Wisconsin, James Chance, originally James Siegfried, exhibited a passion for music from an early age. He pursued this interest academically, first at Michigan State University and later at the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music in Milwaukee. During his time in Milwaukee, Chance joined a band named Death, which initially performed covers of iconic acts such as the Stooges and the Velvet Underground before shifting towards original compositions. However, the band’s dissolution and the death of its singer prompted Chance to drop out of school and relocate to New York City in late 1975.

Rise in New York’s No Wave Scene

Upon moving to New York, Chance quickly immersed himself in the city’s vibrant free jazz and no-wave punk rock scenes. In 1976, he formed his first band, Flaming Youth, an instrumental quartet featuring violin, drums, and bass. That same year, he co-founded Teenage Jesus and the Jerks with Lydia Lunch, marking the beginning of his influential role in the No Wave movement.

In 1977, after a brief period studying under jazz saxophonist David Murray, Chance formed The Contortions. This band became renowned for their unique fusion of jazz improvisation and funky rhythms. Known for their confrontational live shows, The Contortions often ended performances with Chance engaging in physical altercations with audience members, including notable incidents involving rock critic Robert Christgau.

The Contortions and Broader Impact

The Contortions gained wider recognition through their inclusion in the Brian Eno-compiled “No New York” collection, a seminal compilation that spotlighted key No Wave acts. They also appeared in Rosa von Praunheim’s film “Das Todesmagazin” in 1979. Despite their growing success, internal frictions led to the band’s breakup in late 1979. The Contortions released one album, “Buy,” and another album, “Off White,” under the pseudonym James White and the Blacks in 1980, which featured Lydia Lunch under the alias Stella Rico.

Following the breakup, Chance re-formed James White and the Blacks with a new lineup, releasing the album “Sax Maniac” in 1982, dedicated to his romantic partner and agent Anya Phillips, who had died of cancer in 1981.

Later Years and Continued Influence

In the 1980s, Chance continued to innovate and collaborate, briefly relocating to Paris before returning to New York City to record “James White Presents The Flaming Demonics” in 1983. He contributed saxophone to The False Prophets’ “Implosion” album in 1987 and reunited with original Contortions members for a series of performances in the early 2000s.

In Europe, he performed with James Chance & Les Contortions, a group of French musicians who served as his backing band from 2006 onwards. They released the album “Incorrigible!” in 2012, featuring new recordings of Chance’s originals and covers. He also occasionally performed with various groups in New York, including local trio Ancient Heat in 2012.

Legacy and Final Years

James Chance’s career spanned decades, during which he remained a pivotal figure in the avant-garde music scene. In 2016, he was featured in a music video for a re-recorded version of “Melt Yourself Down,” directed by 19-year-old Dylan Greenberg. This marked his first music video in nearly 20 years.

His health began to decline in the following years, leading to his final live performance in 2019. James Chance passed away on June 18, 2024, in New York at the age of 71. His brother David Siegfried announced his death, noting the musician’s health struggles but not specifying the exact cause.