Matt Kwasniewski-Kelvin, the guitarist of the band Black Midi, has passed away at the age of 26. A heartfelt message from Matt’s father Tony was shared on the Instagram page of their record label, Rough Trade Records.
In the statement, it was conveyed that Matt had lost his battle with mental health issues. Described as a talented musician and a kind-hearted individual, Matt’s family expressed their deep sorrow over his untimely death at the age of 26.
The label also expressed their condolences to the Kwasniewski-Kelvin family and honored Matt as a highly talented individual who will be greatly missed. They urged those struggling with mental health challenges to seek support from loved ones or organizations like Mind, CALM, and Samaritans.
Tributes poured in from various individuals, including BBC 6Music’s Mary Anne Hobbs, who mourned the loss of Matt and praised his musical genius. Fans and colleagues alike remembered Matt as a groundbreaking musician who left a significant impact with his work.
A founding member of Black Midi, Matt performed alongside Geordie Greep, Cameron Picton, and drummer Morgan Simpson. The band, which originated in 2017 at the renowned BRIT School, gained recognition with their debut album “Schlagenheim,” which was shortlisted for the Mercury Music Prize in 2019.
In 2021, Matt took a step back from the group due to his mental health struggles. His bandmates showed their unwavering support for his recovery and expressed their anticipation for reuniting and performing together in the future.
While Black Midi continued as a trio and released subsequent albums, they eventually took a hiatus in 2024 to pursue individual projects. Resources such as helplines and support networks are available for those in need of assistance, as highlighted by the NHS Choices website.