Musician Jeffrey Runnings passes away at 61

ANI April 15, 2025 229 views

Jeffrey Runnings, the talented bassist and vocalist of Nebraska's indie band For Against, has tragically passed away at 61 after a courageous battle with Stage 4 cancer. Known for their distinctive dream pop sound, the band was a significant force in the independent music scene since 1984. Runnings not only contributed to the band's remarkable discography but also released a solo album in 2016, showcasing his musical versatility. He leaves behind a profound musical legacy and is survived by his husband Sean and several family members.

"One foot in the British post-punk of Joy Division and the other in the gliding atmospherics of Kitchens of Distinction" - Unnamed Music Critic
Los Angeles, April 15: Jeffrey Runnings, founding member, bassist and vocalist of the Nebraska-based indie band For Against, is no more.

Key Points

1

Pioneering indie musician died after 40-year career with For Against

2

Critically acclaimed dream pop band from Lincoln, Nebraska

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Released multiple influential albums across independent labels

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Survived by husband Sean and extended family

He died on March 3 after a battle with Stage 4 cancer, Independent Project Records announced. He was 61, as per The Hollywood Reporter.

Since their start in 1984 in Lincoln, For Against was known for a drifting, rhythmic dream pop sound that one critic noted had "one foot in the British post-punk of Joy Division and the other in the gliding atmospherics of Kitchens of Distinction." Their first single was "Autocrat/It's a Lie."

Their albums included 1987's Echelons and 1988's December, both on the Words on Music label; 1993's Aperture and 1995's Mason's California Lunch Room, off the Rainbow Quartz label; and 1997's Shelf Life, from the World Domination label.

The band returned to Words on Music for LPs in 2002, 2008 and 2009, and Runnings recorded a solo album, Primitives & Smalls, released in 2016 by Saint Marie Records.

Runnings is survived by husband, Sean; his brother, Steve (and his companion, Linda); his nephews, Rudy (Darcy) and Phil; his niece, Christina; and his uncle, Gerald. He was preceded by his sister, Karen.

Reader Comments

M
Megan T.
So sad to hear this. For Against's music got me through some tough times in college. December is still one of my all-time favorite albums. Rest in peace, Jeffrey. ❤️
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Derek K.
I saw For Against live in '89 and Jeffrey's basslines were hypnotic. The way he blended post-punk with dream pop was truly unique. The music world lost a real innovator.
J
Jamie R.
While I appreciate For Against's influence, I always felt their later albums didn't quite capture the magic of Echelons and December. That said, Jeffrey's contribution to indie music is undeniable. Condolences to his family.
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Trevor S.
"Autocrat" was the first song I learned to play on bass because of Jeffrey. His playing had this incredible emotional weight to it. Gone too soon at 61. 😢
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Alex P.
Never got to see them live but discovered For Against during lockdown. Their music was like nothing else - that perfect mix of melancholy and energy. Jeffrey's vocals were hauntingly beautiful.

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