Matt Kwasniewski-Kelvin, a boundary-pushing guitarist and one of the founding fathers of experimental rock band, Black Midi has tragically passed away at the age of 26. His family announced his death in a heartfelt statement. The announcement was shared by the band’s record label, Rough Trade on their social media platforms.

The statement read, “It is with deep sadness that we as a family regret to inform you that Matthew Kwasniewski-Kelvin has died after a long battle with his mental health”.

Raised with an instant musical passion, Kwasniewski-Kelvin began his guitar playing career all the way back in his childhood before going on to study at London’s BRIT school. This is exactly where he met and became good friends with his soon-to-be Black Midi bandmates.

Black Midi were a London-based English rock band, formed in 2017, and rapidly established themselves as the most exciting new voices in the British music scene.

Their most recent and prevalent lineup consists of lead vocalist, Geordie Greep, Cameron Picton, Morgan Simpson and Matt Kwasniewski-Kelvin. The band released their debut album, ‘Schlagenheim’, in 2019 and it was then that they started to develop a following in London. The band continued to release experimental, cut-throat records; ‘Schlagenheim’ was followed by ‘Cavalcade’ in 2021 and ‘Hellfire’ in 2022. Despite their growing success with each album release, Kwasniewski-Kelvin had taken a step back from his otherworldly guitar playing to focus on his mental health in January of 2021. His absence was deeply felt by fans who only wished him the best, hoping that he would feel well enough to one day return.

Black Midi began debuting their first live performances in 2017, rather rapidly Kwasniewski-Kelvin’s guitar work stood out. He rejected the typical guitar playing fashion and embraced a more jagged and distorted approach, favouring unsettling rhythmic patterns. This is noticeable in particular tracks from the band’s debut album, ‘Schlagenheim,’ including that of ‘953’, ‘Near DT MI’. The album itself received a Mercury Prize nomination, which cemented Black Midi as a new band not to be messed with, and the key contributor to their raunchy, solidified identity was Kwasniewski-Kelvin.

Countless tributes have surfaced from fellow musicians, dedicated fans and Rough Trade followers recognising how great of a loss this is. Kwasniewski-Kelvin undoubtedly held a great influence of the modern experimental music genre. His brilliant guitar work influenced thousands of listeners and changed the lives of many. Despite his loss it is no doubt his music will continue to touch the souls of many, his DNA forever embedded in the band’s music, and his presence lives on throughout their records.

If you or anyone you know is struggling with their mental health, do not hesitate to reach out help is always available.

• NHS 111 (Mental Health Option): Available 24/7 for urgent, non-emergency mental health advice.
• Samaritans: Call 116 123 anytime for free, confidential support for anyone in distress.
• Shout: Text “SHOUT” to 85258 for 24/7 text-based support