Ruth McArdle, former vocalist of Lords of Acid, passes away

Ruth McArdle, known by her stage names Lady Galore and Cherrie Blue, has passed away, leaving a lasting legacy in the electronic music world. 

The former vocalist of the Belgian band Lords of Acid, McArdle’s death was confirmed through heartfelt tributes on social media from the band and other artists.

McArdle’s time with Lords of Acid was pivotal, particularly during the Voodoo-U era in the mid-1990s. Known for her commanding stage presence and distinctive voice, she became a key figure in shaping the band's provocative blend of techno, acid house, and industrial music. 

Praga Khan, co-founder of Lords of Acid, paid tribute to McArdle, recalling her as the “iconic vocalist” of Voodoo U and highlighting her role as the first vocalist to tour live in America during the notorious Sextasy Ball tour in 1995.

Before embarking on her music career, McArdle trained at the prestigious Performing Arts School in London, where she also choreographed dance routines. At just 17, she joined Lords of Acid, bringing an electrifying edge to the band's sound. Her work on the Voodoo-U album showcased her impressive vocal versatility.

Although her time with Lords of Acid ended during the band’s challenging 1995 U.S. tour, McArdle’s artistic journey continued. In 1998, she joined My Life with the Thrill Kill Kult as part of the Bomb Gang Girlz and later ventured into solo music under the name Cherrie Blue, exploring themes like cyberculture and psychedelics. Her influence remains deeply embedded in the electronic music scene.