Electro-funk would not have existed without this landmark tune from back in 1982, blending krautrock with the embryonic genre of hip-hop.

and I’m not going to give the creator of this landmark record, who has just died, the dignity of naming him. Because he was a predatory paedophile who stripped away the dignity of his many young victims.

Not that we knew that back in 1982 when Planet Rock singlehandedly created the genre of electro-funk. And also because, although he put his name on the single, the real credit belongs elsewhere.

Firstly to producer Arthur Baker, who put it all together, and secondly to synth player John Robie who recreated that familir krautrock melody. Also to rapper G.L.O.B.E. who wrote and rapped the lyrics.

Lastly, but not least, to Kraftwerk for the familiar melody from Trans-Europe Express that assisted – or arguably enabled – Planet Rock’s huge crossover appeal.

While I wholeheartedly endorse the cancellation of the man with whom the song is associated, it would be doing music history discredit to erase the song itself. But it must stand alone.

If I were to use the initials RIP for the man I will not name, they would stand not for Rest In Peace but Rot In Perpetuity.