From his Facebook page: With great sadness we share the news that our friend Philippe Marcade has left us. Phil, who thrilled audiences as the lead singer of The Senders and authored the memoir Punk Avenue, succumbed peacefully among loved ones in Paris on June 5, 2023, following a brief struggle with pancreatic cancer. He was 68 years old. From 1976 through his final performances in 2017, Philippe remained true to the music and scene he loved, delivering a frenzied mix of rock and roll / R&B intensity and deft, inventive songwriting to audiences of both The Senders and The Backbones. Those fortunate enough to see him perform know that Philippe Marcade was a rare individual who had true business being a LEAD SINGER. From the late- ‘70s NYC Punk scene onward, Phil would take the stage without the protection of a guitar, grab the microphone, and for an hour or so he’d croon, scream, dance, joke, blow harp and take audiences on a wild ride with easy assurance. No matter where or when, Phil always turned it on. Philippe’s multi-decade career in the New York City nightclubs made him something of a local treasure – and his humor, gregarious nature, and gracious manner earned him countless friends and generated countless stories. The Senders’ fabled run as unofficial house band at Max’s Kansas City, ‘The Sender Thing’ at Continental Divide and the ‘Boneyard’ at McGovern’s were long-running affairs that saw Philippe forge an unmatched bond with his audience. Phil was a wholly artistic person: in addition to music and writing he excelled at painting, drawing, collage and graphics—he always jumped at the chance to make a new insane flyer for the most mundane gig. He was an inventive conjurer and true Bohemian. Join in fond remembrance of our great, dear friend – remember those many times he took you to a planet of thundering drums, shouts, smiles and sweat. Drop the needle on one of Phil’s discs, and he will take you there now.
I loved The Senders, and they played numerous times at Maxwell's during my years there. I only recently became aware of his autobiography. It will be a bittersweet read now. Rest In Peace, Phillipe. Photo by Robert Mapplethorpe Music: All Killer No Filler (1977-2001) by The Senders https://thesenders.bandcamp.com/.../all-killer-no-filler... Words: Punk Avenue: Inside the New York City Underground, 1972-1982 by Phil Marcade https://www.amazon.com/.../194111.../ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0...
