Popular rock band says beloved member has died: ‘Lost our soul sister’

Linda Pardee, who played bass and sang backing vocals for Gang of Four, has died.

The band shared the news on its Facebook page.

“Such sad news,” the post read. “Linda almost came to Australia with us. A huge loss to Boston’s music scene and all who knew her. All Together, Now: (EXPLETIVE) CANCER.”

Pardee was also known for her work with Orbit and The Chelsea Curve. She was with Gang of Fur from 2023 through 2024.

“We’ve lost our Soul Sister,” Orbit posted on its Facebook page. “We are heart broken with the sudden loss of Linda Bean Pardee. Linda was the heart and soul of ORBIT. She inadvertently propelled the band through her joy of playing music. She had the unique combination of grit, determination, professionalism, and amazing style all wrapped up with a warm smile that can light up a room and make you feel like everything was going to be OK. Linda was always so supportive and positive. Her presence elevated the band on so many levels.

“Linda played bass guitar with ORBIT for over 100 shows,” the statement continued. “From the spring of 1999 to (the band’s) last official show in Burlington, VT on New Year’s Eve 2001. She played on 3 national tours and several region runs that included everything from clubs, festivals, radio performances and played the albums; Tonedeaf, XLR8R and Vapor Trails. She graciously participated in several reunion shows which included the most recent appearance in 2025.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Calvins, her solid family who were always supportive of her music endeavors, and all her bandmates who have had the pleasure of playing with Linda. They know how much of a joy it was to be playing with her and our feeling this tragic loss.”

News of her passing spread across social media with several musicians and fans offering their thoughts.

“It is with a heavy and broken heart we have just learned that our beloved Linda Pardee has passed,” Smitt E. Smitty wrote on Facebook. “I don’t even know where to being. To say Linda was a gift to all of us is the understatement of the universe. I/we are still processing the loss of this magnitude. All our love to her entire family and the endless list of friends. The only word that even comes close is love. Full on love and gratitude that we were lucky enough to know Linda and were blessed enough to have her in our lives.”

“Linda Bean Pardee was a giant in our Boston music scene and will be sorely missed,” Light of Day Records posted on Facebook. “Even more importantly, she was a genuine, caring person who showed up to support others in the scene and beyond. On stage was where she truly shined, rocking her bass with gleeful abandonment while carrying one catchy earworm after another w/Linda Bean Pardee — no frills, all business … and serious fun! We love you Linda Bean Pardee condolences to your family and band mates.”…Read more by Brian Linder | blinder@pennlive.com