"The Star of British Indie Rock Passes Away"... Black Midi Founding Member Matt Kwasniewski-Kelvin Dies at Age 26

Matt Kwasniewski-Kelvin, the founding member and guitarist of the experimental rock band Black Midi, has passed away at the young age of 26.

According to Billboard and local media in the UK on the 13th (Korean time), the band's label Rough Trade Records officially announced his death on the 12th, relaying a statement from his family.

◆ "After a Battle with Mental Health..."

The family stated, "With deep sadness, we announce that Matthew Kwasniewski-Kelvin has passed away after a long battle with mental health." They continued, "A talented musician and a kind and lovely young man ultimately succumbed despite all efforts," and urged, "Please take time to check on your loved ones to prevent such tragedies from happening to our youth."

◆ Pioneer of Experimental Sound

Matt formed Black Midi after meeting the members at the prestigious BRIT School in London. Their debut album 'Schlagenheim', released in 2019, received critical acclaim, including a nomination for the Mercury Prize, and Matt's noisy and explosive guitar playing was central to the band's identity. He is regarded as a key figure in the British post-punk revival alongside fellow bands like Shame and Black Country, New Road.

◆ Stopped Guitar Playing

Unfortunately, he had to leave the band during the making of their second album 'Cavalcade' in 2021 due to mental health issues. At that time, he stated, "I am not mentally well and am taking time to recover," and while the members expressed their support and awaited his return, the sad news eventually came.

Rough Trade expressed, "He was truly an amazing talent who will be deeply missed," and fans around the world are continuing to pay tribute to the young genius through social media, wishing for his peace.