Why theory? An interview with Jon King

Jon King (b. 1955) is the lead singer and lyricist for Gang of Four, a band he co-formed as a student at Leeds University in 1977 and which played a central part in the innovative and politically charged art and music scene in the post-industrial northeastern city before gaining international critical acclaim and a devoted following. In this interview with anthropologist Kevin A. Yelvington, King discusses the songwriting and composition process for Gang of Four’s body of work in the years 1977–82, including sources of inspiration in artistic productions, contemporary music, historical events, educational experiences, political economic processes and social theory.