Matt Kwasniewski-Kelvin, guitarist and founder of Black Midi, has died

Matt Kwasniewski-Kelvin, guitarist and founding member of Black Midi, has died at the age of 26. The news was announced by the label Rough Trade, which in a statement spoke of a "long battle with mental health issues".

Kwasniewski-Kelvin had met Geordie Greep, Cameron Picton and Morgan Simpson at the BRIT School in London. That meeting would give rise to one of the most significant forces in London's alternative scene in recent years, a band that quickly made its mark with a jagged, unstable and radical musical language. Music that had probably reached its peak with the release of the third album "Hellfire" in 2022.

By the time of "Hellfire", however, Kwasniewski-Kelvin was no longer part of the group. The guitarist had left Black Midi between late 2020 and early 2021, after the debut album "Schlagenheim", produced by Dan Carey. In a 2021 message, he explained his decision as follows: "I'm taking some time away from the band because I'm not doing well mentally. I hope to be back soon".

The band then split up in 2024. In the meantime, Kwasniewski-Kelvin had continued playing in London and, that same year, had released a solo track in support of Palestine.

The statement released by the family via Rough Trade reads: "A talented musician and a kind, loving man, who ultimately couldn't overcome it despite every effort. Please take a moment to reach out to your loved ones, so we can stop this from continuing to happen to our young men."

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