Another young life lost due to a mental health struggle, Black Midi Guitarist and co-founder, Matt Kwasniewski-Kelvin at just 26 years of age.
Matt Kwasnieswki-Kelvin was one of the founding members of the rock band, Black Midi, in London in 2017. The group used to play in pubs such as the Windmill in Brixton, and at a young age, Matt gained a lot of fame. However, his fans, friends and family are dealing with the toughest times as Matt Kwasnieswki-Kelvin passed away at a young age of 26.
Matt Kwasnieswki-Kelvin's family announced the heartbreaking news of his sudden demise in a statement published on social media by Rough Trade Records. The statement shared that they regret to inform that Matt has died after a long battle with mental health. The family described him as a kind, funny man, who passed away despite their best efforts.
The family also urged those reading to take a moment to check in with their loved ones so they can stop anything bad from happening to the young men. The statement can be read as:
"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 funny kind young man finally succumbed, despite all efforts. Matt was 26 years old. He will always be loved. Please take moment to check in with your loved ones so we can stop happening this to young ones."
The Rough Trade Records, which is like a home for Black Midi, also extended its condolences to the family. They remembered the founding Black Midi member, who was an incredibly talented person. The statement was read as :
"Rough Trade Records would like to extend deepest sympathy to the Kwasniewski-Kelvin family who have shared this statement on the tragic passing of founding black midi member Matt - an incredibly talented person who will be truly missed. If you are struggling with mental health issues please reach out to your loved ones or one of the range of charities such as Mind, CALM and Samaritans who provide services and someone to talk to in any time of need."
For the unversed, Matt Kwasniewski-Kelvi decided to take up guitar in primary school and adopted a taste for skater adjacent punk-pop. His father played in a party band, and occasionally invited him to his rehearsals. It seems like Matt, who was 12, found his calling at that time. He met his future bandmates Geordie Greep, Cameron Picton, and Morgan Simpson while he was studying in London.
The band is known for Brixton's Windmill venue. The four-piece spearheaded the south London scene that launched a generation of experimental rock, and they would o ften share stages with the likes of Black Country, New Road, Jerskin Fendrix and Shame. After signing to Rough Trade, the band released Schlagenheim, which was produced by Speedy Wunderground in 2019. The band postponed their North America and Europe tour during the pandemic. However, when they returned in early 2021, Matt was absent from the group. Sharing the reason, Matt revealed that he has been taking some time off from the band as he was mentally unwell. At that time, his band members also supported Matt in his journey.
We pray for the family's strength.
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