If ya Loved Alternative in the 80s

... back when it meant something exciting, then you should be bumming at this news. One of the main architect of 80s alternative, New Wave, and innovative music lost one of its pioneers in the passing of Ian Copeland. Many of you remember IRS Records as the early (and I would argue best) home of The Police, R.E.M., Squeeze, Concrete Blonde, The Fleshtones, and many others who did not have great door busting musical success, but made great music anyhoo.

And this is not to mention the influence on American and British music that Ian and his brother Miles had through FBI (Frontier Booking) which brought various artists and bands all around the US and UK to play for fans. Often packaging the so-called "big" bands with smaller deserving groups who needed to reach audiences because we all know how open radio was in those days (um, I guess that is a sore I should stay away from picking today).

Clearly Ian's work was an important development in many music circles and helped relaunch the excitement of new and innovative music and the DIY of punk in several out of the way places that were ignored by other recording and booking companies. Though far from a saint, Ian's efforts were rewarded with a mushrooming musical legacy.

Rest in Peace, Ian and thanks for the music.