Matt Kwasniewski-Kelvin, the co-founder and former guitarist of the English rock band Black Midi, has died. He was 26.
The late musician’s family announced the devastating news in a statement shared through the band’s record label, Rough Trade Records, on Monday. They said that Kwasniewski-Kelvin died “after a long battle with his mental health.”
No cause of death has been revealed.
“A talented musician and a kind, loving man finally succumbed; despite all efforts,” the “Welcome to Hell” guitarist’s family wrote on Instagram. “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,” they added.
Rough Trade Records, meanwhile, shared their own statement in the caption of the heartbreaking social media post.
The company extended its “deepest sympathy to the Kwasniewski-Kelvin family” and remembered the “Eat Men Eat” musician as 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,” Rough Trade Records concluded.
Kwasniewski-Kelvin first appeared as the guitarist for Black Midi’s 2019 debut album “Schlagenheim,” which was reportedly shortlisted for a Mercury Prize that same year.
Two years later, however, the “953” musician announced that he was departing the band to focus on his mental health.
“I’ve been taking some time off from the band as I have been mentally unwell,” he wrote on Black Midi’s Facebook page in Jan. 2021. “Because of this, I haven’t featured on forthcoming material. I’ll be back soon.”
Kwasniewski-Kelvin’s bandmates shared their support in a separate message following the guitarist’s exit.
“We’re all fully behind our best mate in his recovery and can’t wait til we can all be + play together again soon!” they wrote. “It almost goes without saying but please respect Matt’s right to privacy surrounding this.”
As for Black Midi, the group formed in London in 2017 and released two more records after 2019’s “Schlagenheim,” including 2021’s “Cavalcade” and 2022’s “Hellfire.”
The group’s most recent line-up, before taking a sudden hiatus two years ago, was made up of Geordie Greep, Cameron Picton and drummer Morgan Simpson.
Greep announced the band’s hiatus in August 2024, and Picton later addressed Black Midi being “indefinitely over” shortly after.
“We’d agreed not to say anything about ‘breaking up’ so I was as blindsided as everyone else last night but maybe in a different way,” the vocalist wrote in a since-deleted X post. “I guess sometimes all you can say is lol.”
A rep for Black Midi later addressed the band’s surprising hiatus as well in a short statement to Pitchfork.
“Black Midi are on a hiatus for now while they are working on solo projects,” they told the outlet.
If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts or are experiencing a mental health crisis and live in New York City, you can call 1-888-NYC-WELL for free and confidential crisis counseling. If you live outside the five boroughs, you can dial the 24/7 National Suicide Prevention hotline at 988 or go to SuicidePreventionLifeline.org.
