A fixture and longtime mainstay of the Boston music scene as well as influential “publicity human” for Matador Records, Ann Spencer Gates passed away over the weekend after a two year battle with cancer.
Gates was key in exposing Boston’s then exploding rock scene, showcasing bands like Mission of Burma, Lemonheads, Nervous Eaters, Sorry, and Moving Targets on her WMBR show. According to Matador’s Gerard Cosloy, Gates held a “pivotal role in the success of Pavement, Liz Phair, JSBX,Bettie Serveert, Pizzicato Five, Guided By Voices, Railroad Jerk and many others you know and love”. Pavement’s Spiral Stairs recently affectionately referred to her as “Lady Talkalot”. Tom Johnston, manager of Buffalo Tom and Bettie Serveert, said “Spencer was one of the greatest, most dazzling people I ever had privilege to get to know. She had great taste, a wicked sense of humor, and was so extroverted that many of the friends I have today, I credit directly to her and her charm and gift of gab.”
