Matt Kwasniewski Kelvin, guitarist for the rock band Black Midi, dies at the age of 26 | Black midi

Matt Kwasniewski Kelvin, the guitarist who was a member of the famous British experimental rock band Black Midi, has died at the age of 26.

A statement from his family said that he died “after a long battle with his mental health. A talented musician and a kind and loving man finally succumbed, despite all his efforts.”

“He will always be loved. Please take time to reach out to your loved ones so we can stop this from happening to our youth.”

Sharing the statement on social media, Black Midi record label Rough Trade described Kwasniewski-Kelvin as “an incredibly talented person who will be truly missed.”

Kwasniewski-Kelvin helped turn Black Midi into one of the most popular and musically adventurous rock bands of recent years, after meeting the other members of London’s performing arts institution, The Brit School.

Having been drawn to pop punk and classic rock as a child, Kwasniewski-Kelvin became fascinated by noise and experimental rock after meeting Black Midi’s frontman, Jordi Greb, and these elements – plus many others – coalesced into an energetic, progressive sound on their 2019 debut album Schlagenheim. The band gained a passionate following and the album was shortlisted for that year’s Mercury Prize. It was also given a “Best New Music” rating by Pitchfork, which described the album as “magnetic and dazzling”.

Kwasniewski-Kelvin left the band in 2021 due to difficulties with his mental health. The band said at the time that they “fully support our best friend in his recovery.” They continued as a trio, recording two more studio albums before splitting in 2024.