Gary Barnacle
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Gary Barnacle (born 1955, Dover, England) is a saxophonist and brass instrument arranger primarily noted for session work, during the 1980s, with a large number of popular music acts, including pop singer, Kim Wilde (whom he dated in the mid 80s). He was also in an electropop duo called Leisure Process, with ex-Positive Noise singer, Ross Middleton.
Barnacle performed the saxophone part in The Clash's song, "1-2 Crush On You," which can be heard on their album, Super Black Market Clash, and also played on their later albums Sandinista! and "Combat Rock". He was introduced to The Clash through their drummer (and school friend of Barnacle's) Topper Headon, and reportedly became involved in The Clash's infamous 1978 "pigeon shooting" incident.
One of Barnacle's longest associations has been with Level 42, with whom he has played on several albums, including the band's 1981 debut. The horn section he formed with British trumpet and fluegelhorn player, John Thirkell, for Level 42 is known as the Henpecked Horns. Barnacle and Thirkell have also backed Swing Out Sister. Barnacle also recorded "A Way You'll Never Be" with Mark King and Phil Gould.
Other acts for whom Barnacle has contributed session work have included Big Fun, Paul Hardcastle, Visage, The Beautiful South, Rick Astley, Public Image Ltd., Pet Shop Boys, Kim Wilde, Jamiroquai, Elvis Costello, David Bowie, Tim Finn, Björk, Tina Turner, Carlene Carter, The Ruts, Phil Collins, ABC, Guru and Billie Ray Martin (on her 1995 debut Deadline For My Memories, his name is mis-spelled as "Gary Barnickle"). He worked frequently with Stock Aitken Waterman as a session musician in their PWL studios. Barnacle is frequently credited as an arranger of woodwinds and brass on his session work.
Barnacle also plays flute (as evidenced on Hardcastle's first Jazzmasters album) and keyboards.
He returned to the music industry in 2002, releasing his first solo album, Paradise. He is currently producing indie/dance band propeller. [1] [2]
