Matt Kwasniewski-Kelvin, co-founder and guitarist of the band black midi, has died at the age of 26 after “a long battle with his mental health.” The tragic news came this afternoon through a statement from the Rough Trade label: “A talented musician and a kind, loving young man has finally passed away, despite all efforts.”
By the time of their dissolution in 2024, black midi had already become one of the most acclaimed young bands of the century. It all started at the BRIT School in London, where Kwasniewski-Kelvin met his future bandmates: Geordie Greep, Cameron Picton and Morgan Simpson. It was two years after the release of their debut, ‘Schlagenheim’ (2019), when Matt left the band to focus on his mental health.
Many remember the young guitarist for his great live ability to go from noise, to shoegaze, and melodic plucks in a matter of seconds, with many users highlighting his important role in the British group’s overwhelming concerts. “Please take a moment to talk to your loved ones so we can stop this from happening to our young people,” the statement reads.
After Kwasniewski-Kelvin left the group, black midi went on to release two more albums: ‘Cavalcade’, in 2021′, and ‘Hellfire’, in 2022. After being founded in 2017, black midi dissolved “indefinitely” in 2024.
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