The guitarist who could make a song sound like a horse falling off a cliff
In short: John McGeoch transcended traditional guitar roles by sculpting abstract textures and inventive arpeggios. Renowned for his unique ability to translate complex sonic requests into reality, he influenced legends like Radiohead and The Smiths. His career blended high-level artistry with technical innovation, prioritizing atmospheric depth over conventional scales or bombastic display.
McGeoch's signature style was defined by inventive arpeggios, string harmonics, and a deliberate disregard for conventional scales. He frequently utilized the flanger and chorus effects to add depth and space to his work. While performing alongside Siouxsie and the Banshees and Magazine, he notably operated a hand-level MXR M117R flanger fixed to a microphone stand, enabling simultaneous control adjustments during his performances. He also employed a Yamaha Analog Delay, a MXR Dynacomp Compressor, and even an EBow and Gizmo during specific recording sessions.
His influence on modern rock is profound and far-reaching. Johnny Marr of The Smiths described his work as "imperial" and a primary inspiration for his own generation. Radiohead's Jonny Greenwood cited McGeoch as his most significant influence, with producer Nigel Godrich even encouraging him to emulate McGeoch's style on the 2003 single "There There." Other icons including The Edge of U2, John Frusciante of Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Robert Smith of The Cure have all highlighted his ability to create elegant, textural riffs that prioritize the song's composition over bombastic display.
McGeoch's career was marked by both massive commercial success and personal struggle. While his work with the electronic band Visage helped him earn enough income to buy a house, his tenure with Siouxsie and the Banshees was cut short in 1982. Despite being hailed by Siouxsie Sioux as the band's most creative guitarist, he was forced to leave due to a nervous breakdown caused by touring stress and alcohol issues. He later spent years in session work and even trained as a nurse/carer before retiring from professional music in the mid-1990s.
His technical choices were as deliberate as his artistic ones. To achieve the specific power of his playing, John Frusciante noted that he had to switch from a Stratocaster to an SG guitar to learn new ways of bending and vibrato. McGeoch's ability to interpret abstract requests—like creating a specific, jarring sonic texture—cemented his reputation as a musician who viewed the guitar as a tool for atmospheric exploration rather than just a melodic lead instrument.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: John McGeoch
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