Tragic news has rocked the British music scene: Matt Kwasniewski-Kelvin, guitarist and co-founder of the experimental rock band Black Midi, has passed away at just 26 years old.
His family confirmed the heartbreaking loss in a statement shared Monday by the band’s label, Rough Trade Records, revealing that Matt died “after a long battle with his mental health.”
Matt helped form Black Midi alongside his friends Geordie Greep, Morgan Simpson, and Cameron Picton while they were students at the BRIT School for Performing Arts and Technology. The band quickly gained attention for their bold, genre-blending sound. Their debut album Schlagenheim dropped in 2019 and was shortlisted for the prestigious Mercury Prize.
In 2021, Matt took a step back from the spotlight, sharing in a post that he was taking time off from the band to focus on his mental health. He never rejoined the group on future projects.
“A talented musician and a kind, loving young man finally succumbed; despite all efforts,” his family wrote. “Please take a moment to check in with your loved ones so we can stop this happening to our young men.”
Matt’s talent, vulnerability, and creativity left a lasting mark—and fans around the world are now mourning a voice silenced far too soon.
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