{"id":11668,"date":"2026-01-12T17:44:16","date_gmt":"2026-01-12T17:44:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/microvibenews.com\/?p=11668"},"modified":"2026-01-12T17:44:16","modified_gmt":"2026-01-12T17:44:16","slug":"matt-kwasniewski-kelvin-guitarist-for-rock-band-black-midi-dies-aged-26-black-midi","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/microvibenews.com\/?p=11668","title":{"rendered":"Matt Kwasniewski-Kelvin, guitarist for rock band Black Midi, dies aged 26 | Black Midi"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Matt Kwasniewski-Kelvin, the guitarist who was a member of acclaimed British experimental rock band Black Midi<\/a>, has died aged 26.<\/p>\n

A statement from his family said he died \u201cafter a long battle with his mental health. A talented musician and a kind, loving man finally succumbed; despite all efforts.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe will always be loved. Please take a moment to check in with your loved ones so we can stop this happening to our young men.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sharing the statement on social media, Black Midi\u2019s record label Rough Trade called Kwasniewski-Kelvin \u201can incredibly talented person who will be truly missed\u201d.<\/p>\n

Kwasniewski-Kelvin helped to make Black Midi into one of the most talked-about, musically adventurous rock bands in recent years, after meeting the other members at London performing arts institution the Brit School.<\/p>\n

After being drawn to pop-punk and classic rock as a child, Kwasniewski-Kelvin became fascinated with noise and experimental rock after meeting Black Midi frontman Geordie Greep, and these elements \u2013 plus plenty more \u2013 coalesced into an energetic, progressive sound on their 2019 debut album Schlagenheim. The band earned a passionate fan following and the album was shortlisted for that year\u2019s Mercury prize. It was also given Pitchfork\u2019s \u201cbest new music\u201d rating, with the album described as \u201cmagnetic and dazzling\u201d.<\/p>\n

Kwasniewski-Kelvin left the band in 2021, citing his mental health difficulties. The band said at the time they were \u201cfully behind our best mate in his recovery\u201d. They continued as a trio, recording two more studios albums before splitting in 2024.<\/p>\n