Guitarist Matt Kwasniewski-Kelvin has died. He was 26.
A founding member of the award-winning English rock band Black Midi, known for their harsh yet inimitable sound, Kwasniewski-Kelvin died on Monday after “a long battle with his mental health,” according to a statement from his family published by the band’s record label Rough Trade.
Videos by PopCulture.com
“A talented musician and a kind, loving man finally succumbed; despite all efforts,” the statement read. “He 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.”
Kwasniewski-Kelvin, known for wicked guitar riffs and for doing dangerous flips on stage before Benson Boone was a thought in any of our minds, was prominently featured on the band’s 2019 debut album Schlagenheim. The album was a critical darling of music publications everywhere and made the shortlist for the Mercury Prize. In 2021, he announced he was leaving the band due to mental health issues.
“I’ve been taking some time off from the band as I have been mentally unwell,” he wrote on the band’s Facebook page. “Because of this, I haven’t featured on forthcoming material. I’ll be back soon.” At the time, his bandmates said they were “fully behind our best mate in his recovery and can’t wait ’til we can all be + play together again soon.”
In 2024, while embarking on his own solo career, the band’s singer-guitarist Geordie Greep said on Instagram in a now-deleted post that “Black midi was an interesting band that’s indefinitely over.”
Kwasniewski-Kelvin continued to play guitar on various projects until the end of his life, including an appearance on Wu-Lu’s 2022 album Loggerhead.
Most Viewed
-
Side-by-side: Images of Tim Allen, Stefan Gossler and Jackie Chan (Credit: Christian JENTZ/Gamma-Rapho // Franziska Krug/Getty Images // Stephane Cardinale/Corbis) -
A defocused police car sits behind crime scene tape with flashing lights at night. (Getty Images/iStockphoto) -
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 20: Bijou Phillips attends the World Premiere of "Infinite Icon: A Visual Memoir" at AMC The Grove 14 on January 20, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic) -
Netflix logo (Credit: Netflix) -
Beverly Hills, CA – January 31, 2026: Jelly Roll, left, and Bunnie Xo, right, pose for portraits on the red carpet during the 68th GRAMMY Awards Pre-GRAMMY Gala & GRAMMY Salute to Industry Icons Honoring Avery Lipman & Monte Lipman at the Beverly Hilton on Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026 in Beverly Hills, CA. Clive Davis’ annual pre-Grammy party hosts an array of A-listers from entertainment, sports, and politics to come together and enjoy performances. (Kayla Bartkowski/ Los Angeles Times) -
WINDSOR, UNITED KINGDOM – APRIL 20: (EMBARGOED FOR PUBLICATION IN UK NEWSPAPERS UNTIL 24 HOURS AFTER CREATE DATE AND TIME) Prince Andrew, Duke of York attends the traditional Easter Sunday Mattins Service at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle on April 20, 2025 in Windsor, England. (Photo by Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images) -
PARK CITY, UTAH – JANUARY 25: Brandi Glanville attends the PBM Princess x Kemo Sabe red carpet event special screening of Rachel Strauss’ Documentary "Side Effects May Include” during Sundance Film Festival on January 25, 2026 in Park City, Utah. (Photo by Tommaso Boddi/Getty Images for Rachel Strauss)
