Hardy Fox

Hardy Fox (born October 29, 1945, died October 30, 2018) was an American composer, arranger, and musician best known as a core member of the enigmatic and experimental art collective known as The Residents.

Fox joined The Residents around 1972, becoming instrumental in shaping their unique and avant-garde musical style. While the individual identities of The Residents remained largely anonymous, Fox eventually became recognized as a key figure within the group, often acting as their spokesperson and managing their business affairs through his company, The Cryptic Corporation.

His contributions to The Residents’ discography are extensive, encompassing composing, arranging, production, and performance. He played a vital role in albums such as Duck Stab/Buster & Glen, Eskimo, Mark of the Mole, and many others. His musical style incorporated elements of experimental rock, art pop, and avant-garde composition.

Beyond his work with The Residents, Fox also pursued solo projects, releasing albums and performing under his own name. His solo work often explored similar themes of surrealism and musical experimentation, further demonstrating his unique artistic vision.

After stepping away from active performance and management roles within The Residents in 2016, Fox continued to compose and release music until his death from brain cancer in 2018. His contributions to The Residents and the wider experimental music scene are significant, leaving behind a distinctive and influential body of work.