Now Reading: Doug Shaw (Gang Gang Dance, Highlife, White Magic, Janka Nabay), RIP
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Doug Shaw (Gang Gang Dance, Highlife, White Magic, Janka Nabay), RIP
New York musician Doug Shaw, who played in Gang Gang Dance, White Magic, Janka Nabay, and solo projects Highlife and Sleepy Doug Shaw, has passed away at 43 years old, as Stereogum reports. His former Gang Gang Dance bandmate Lizzi Bougatsos shared footage of them performing together and wrote:
Some shows with @wahssalguod we played together (Japan, Brazil, Mexico) or he filmed (me and @lonnieholleysuniverse at a Baby’s All Right) Our recording was lost. If it wasn’t for Doug, we’d have nothing. or were at together, feel the sounds/words as we grieve and celebrate Douglas Shaw. I call him Imperial D 💨💨He was always there for me. I.U.D. Everything. Waiting for that Record Baby. You better be done good and we will fight for the Universe to Come Correct til the end of our days. For me and our loved ones, it already came true. Your legacy is here our love Forever 🕊️🕯️#ganggangdance #highlife #sleepydougshaw #whitemagic Love you guys. I’m sorry this footage isn’t the best but the spirit is there. Forgive me as I keep in my videos search
Fellow musicians also paid tribute to Shaw, including Angel Deradoorian, who wrote:
Doug Shaw (b. 25 Nov 1982) – I have so many and so little words to post here. The shock hasn’t worn off. The tears come in small waves.
Doug, the world will not be the same without you. Our music community will not be the same without you. The absence of your physical presence will be deeply felt.
We got to play concerts together. Ride bikes. Go to the beach. Play a concert at the Shaolin temple. You were the resident cougher on Sweet Leaf for our Black Sabbath band.
You were always everywhere all at once, and continue to be even more now.
I love you so much, Doug.
Love,
Sherp
Battles wrote, “RIP Doug Shaw. Your music was the soundtrack to very early BATTLES van tours staring out the window late at night. Rest easy friend.”
Union Pool will host a gathering to pay tribute to Shaw on Sunday (5/31) at 5 PM. “All are welcome,” they write.
Shaw’s most recent album was 2025’s collaboration with Geologist of Animal Collective, A Shaw Deal. Stream that below.
