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Matthew Kwasniewski-Kelvin, a founding guitarist for the celebrated London post-punk band Black Midi, has passed away at the age of 26.
His family released a statement on Monday, shared by the band’s label Rough Trade, expressing their profound sorrow: “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. A talented musician and a kind, loving young man finally succumbed; despite all efforts.”
Kwasniewski-Kelvin’s musical journey began at the BRIT School in London, where he met his future Black Midi bandmates as a teenager. The band quickly became a prominent fixture in a vibrant London music scene, performing alongside other experimental acts like Black Country, New Road, Shame, and Squid at venues such as the Windmill in Brixton. This collective explored a unique blend of noise, free jazz, and textured art-rock.
Black Midi’s 2019 debut album, “Schlagenheim,” became a defining work for the scene, earning a Mercury Prize nomination. The band was known for its electrifying live performances and Kwasniewski-Kelvin’s distinctive, avant-garde guitar style. Their creative output was expansive, encompassing spoken-word jams, a radio play, and covers of artists ranging from Bruce Springsteen to Christmas standards.
In 2021, Kwasniewski-Kelvin announced a hiatus from the band to focus on his mental health. He did not perform on their 2021 follow-up LP, “Cavalcade,” though he did contribute to some of its songwriting.
The band later released “Hellfire” in 2022 before disbanding. Earlier this year, in 2024, Kwasniewski-Kelvin released a solo single titled “Paedophile Ring [Free Palestine] [End the holocaust] [End the war now].”
The family’s statement concluded with a heartfelt plea: “He will always be loved. Please take a moment check in with your love ones so we can stop this happening to our young men.”