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His 1970 smash hit, “I Hear You Knocking,” was not just a chart-topper; it was a manifesto. With its distorted vocals and a piano-driven groove that felt both ancient and brand new, it announced the arrival of a talent who understood the DNA of the guitar. Through his work with Rockpile—alongside the equally legendary Nick Lowe—Edmunds helped define the “pub rock” movement, a vital precursor to the punk and new wave explosions that followed. He was the man who could make a Gretsch guitar snarl with a sophistication that few could replicate, earning him the respect of peers ranging from George Harrison to the Stray Cats.
