Matt Kwasniewski-Kelvin, the co-founding guitarist of the English rock band Black Midi, has died at the age of 26. His family confirmed the news in a statement released by Rough Trade Records, attributing his death to a long battle with mental health issues.
“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 grew up playing guitar and attended the BRIT School in London, where he met future Black Midi members Geordie Greep, Cameron Picton and Morgan Simpson. The band’s experimental sound influenced a wave of British acts including Shame and Black Country, New Road.
He played on Black Midi’s 2019 debut album “Schlagenheim” and toured extensively before departing the group in 2021 due to mental health struggles. “I have been taking some time off from the band as I have been mentally unwell,” he wrote at the time. The band expressed full support for his recovery.
Black Midi disbanded in 2024. Kwasniewski-Kelvin later contributed to Wu-Lu’s “Loggerhead” and released a solo recording on Bandcamp in 2024.
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, help is available: call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources.
