Keith Levene, founding member of British punk band The Clash and post-punk band Public Image Limited, has died at the age of 65, according to several relatives of the musician who announced it on the networks.
The guitarist suffered from liver cancer, according to “The Guardian”, and died at home “peacefully, comfortably and surrounded by love”, as reported by his family. Levene, who was born Julian Levene in Muswell Hill, north London, formed The Clash with guitarist Mick Jones and bassist Paul Simonon when he was just 18.
Keith Levene was with The Clash long enough to contribute to some big hits like What’s My Name in 1977, but left the band before the first album was released to start, with John Lydon, the band Public Image Limited.
Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist John Frusciante was among the musician’s admirers and even claimed that he was “spectacular” and that “he explored the possibilities of what you can do with a guitar.” 2021 website Quietus had described him as “one of the architects of post-punk music, his guitar style occupying a space between angular abrasion and pop opulence”.
Levene also enjoyed building guitars and was working on a book about Public Image Limited, with writer Adam Hammond. The latter also confided on Twitter that Levene was “one of the most innovative, daring and influential guitarists of all time”.
This is the second great figure that rock music has lost in 24 hours, following the death of Nik Turner, co-founder of the group Hawwind.